If you’re wondering how long does arugula take to grow, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. This peppery green is one of the quickest crops you can plant, making it perfect for impatient gardeners and those looking for fast results.
From seed to salad bowl, arugula moves fast. You can expect to start harvesting baby leaves in just a few weeks. Its speedy growth means you can enjoy multiple harvest from a single planting, and even sow seeds successionally for a continuous supply. Let’s get your arugula patch started.
How Long Does Arugula Take To Grow
The total time from sowing to harvest depends on what you want. For tender baby arugula leaves, you can often start snipping in as little as 20 to 30 days after planting the seeds. If you prefer larger, more mature leaves with a stronger peppery kick, you’ll wait about 40 to 50 days.
This timeline can shift slightly based on your climate, the season, and the specific variety you choose. But generally, you’ll be eating homegrown arugula within a month.
Factors That Influence Arugula’s Growth Speed
Not every arugula plant reads the calendar. Several key factors can speed up or slow down your harvest.
- Season and Temperature: Arugula thrives in cool weather. It grows fastest in the spring and fall when temperatures are between 45°F and 65°F. In the heat of summer, it bolts (goes to seed) quickly, which halts leaf production.
- Sunlight: It prefers full sun but appreciates partial afternoon shade in warmer regions. Too little sun slows growth; too much intense heat stresses it.
- Soil Quality: Loose, fertile, and well-draining soil is best. Heavy, compacted, or nutrient-poor soil will definately slow things down.
- Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial. Letting the soil dry out stresses the plants, stunting their growth. Overwatering, however, can lead to root rot.
- Variety: Some types, like ‘Astro’ or ‘Rocket’, are bred for especially fast maturity.
Step-by-Step: Planting for the Fastest Harvest
To get those leaves on your plate as soon as possible, follow these simple steps.
1. Choose the Right Time & Place
Plant arugula seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. For a fall harvest, plant seeds about 4-6 weeks before your first expected frost. You can grow it in garden beds, raised beds, or containers.
2. Prepare the Soil
Loosen the soil to about 6-8 inches deep. Mix in some compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and provides nutrients for rapid growth. Arugula isn’t super fussy, but good soil gives it a running start.
3. Sow the Seeds
Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep. You can sow them in rows or simply scatter them for a broadcast patch. Space them about 1 inch apart. Cover lightly with soil and pat down gently. Water the area well with a fine spray to avoid disturbing the seeds.
4. Water and Wait
Keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung-out sponge until seeds germinate, which usually takes 5-7 days. Once seedlings are up, continue to water regularly, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or your hose.
5. Thin the Seedlings
When seedlings are a couple inches tall, thin them to stand 3 to 6 inches apart. This gives each plant room to grow robustly. Don’t throw those thinnings away—they’re your very first, tiny arugula harvest! Rinse them off and add to a sandwich.
How to Harvest for Continuous Growth
Harvesting correctly is the secret to getting more leaves over a longer period. Here’s the best method.
- For Baby Greens: Once leaves are 2 to 3 inches long, you can start harvesting. Use clean scissors to snip off individual outer leaves about an inch above the soil. The center growing point will keep producing new leaves.
- For Full Plants: You can cut the entire plant about an inch above the base. Often, it will resprout for a second, smaller harvest.
- The “Cut-and-Come-Again” Trick: This is the most popular method. Simply harvest the outer leaves regularly. The plant continues to grow from the center, giving you yields for several weeks before it finally tires out or bolts.
Always harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture. Regular harvesting actually encourages the plant to produce more foliage, delaying the bolting process.
What to Do When Arugula Bolts
Bolting is when the plant sends up a flower stalk. The leaves become smaller, tougher, and more bitter. This is natural, especially as days get longer and hotter.
Don’t despair! You have options:
- Let it flower. Arugula has pretty white flowers that are also edible and have a mild peppery flavor. They’re great in salads.
- Allow some plants to form seed pods. You can collect these seeds to plant next season.
- Pull up the bolted plants and replant new seeds in that space, especially in spring or fall.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Even easy plants face a few issues. Here’s how to keep your crop on the fast track.
- Flea Beetles: These tiny bugs make small shot holes in leaves. Use floating row covers right after planting as a barrier. Diatomaceous earth can also help.
- Bolting Too Early: Caused by heat and long days. Plant at the correct time, provide afternoon shade in summer, and harvest frequently to delay it.
- Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure your soil isn’t soggy. It could also be a nitrogen deficiency; a light feed with a balanced fertilizer might help.
- Slow Growth: Usually due to cold soil, lack of nutrients, or overcrowding. Make sure you thinned properly and that the soil is fertile.
FAQ: Your Arugula Questions Answered
Can I grow arugula in pots?
Absolutely! Arugula is excellent for containers. Choose a pot at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Use a quality potting mix and water a bit more frequently, as pots dry out faster.
How often should I water arugula?
Aim for consistent moisture. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In hot weather, this might mean every day or every other day. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent disease.
Does arugula need full sun?
It grows best in full sun (6+ hours) during cool weather. In spring and fall, give it as much sun as possible. In summer, a location with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to prevent bolting.
Can I grow arugula indoors?
Yes, you can grow it on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Just ensure it gets plenty of light, or it will become leggy and weak. The growth time might be a little slower indoors.
What are good companion plants for arugula?
It grows well with other leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, as well as with carrots, onions, and herbs like dill. Some gardeners find it can help repel certain pests from other plants.
Why are my arugula seeds not germinating?
Old seeds or incorrect soil temperature are common culprits. Arugula seeds germinate best in soil between 40°F and 55°F. Also, ensure the soil stayed moist and wasn’t allowed to dry out after sowing.
Growing arugula is a rewarding and swift process. By choosing the right time, providing simple care, and harvesting regularly, you’ll enjoy a plentiful supply of fresh, spicy greens for weeks on end. Its fast turnaround makes it a fantastic choice for beginner gardeners and a reliable staple for experienced ones looking for a quick crop. Get those seeds in the ground, and you’ll be harvesting your own homegrown arugula before you know it.