If you want to keep your arugula harvest crisp and flavorful all season long, you need to know how to prune it correctly. Learning how to prune arugula is the simple secret to preventing it from becoming tough and bitter.
Regular pruning encourages tender, new leaves and delays the plant from bolting, which is when it goes to seed. This guide will walk you through the easy steps to ensure you get the most from your plants.
How to Prune Arugula
Pruning arugula is a gentle process of harvesting leaves to promote new growth. It’s different from harvesting the whole plant at once. You’ll be taking select leaves so the plant can keep producing.
What You’ll Need
Gathering the right tools makes the job quick and clean. You won’t need much.
- Sharp, clean scissors or garden snips. Dull tools can damage the plant.
- A basket or bowl for collecting your leaves.
- A watering can nearby, as plants appreciate a drink after pruning.
The Step-by-Step Pruning Process
Follow these steps whenever your plants have a good number of mature leaves, usually every 7-10 days.
- Identify Mature Leaves: Look for the outer, older leaves that are 3 to 4 inches long. Leave the small, young leaves in the very center of the plant untouched.
- Make Your Cut: Using your scissors, snip the stem of the selected leaf about an inch above the soil line. Cutting to close can harm the crown of the plant.
- Harvest Judiciously: Never take more than about one-third of the total leaves from a single plant at one time. This ensures it has enough foliage to recover quickly.
- Water Lightly: Give the pruned plants a light watering to help them settle and reduce stress.
When to Start Pruning
Timing is key for the best flavor. Begin pruning when the plants are well-established and have produced at least 4-6 true leaves, typically about 4 weeks after sowing.
Start early in the morning if you can, when leaves are their most crisp and full of moisture. Avoid pruning in the heat of the afternoon.
Signs Your Arugula is Ready
- Leaves are a good size for eating, usally around 3 inches.
- The plant looks full and bushy.
- You can see a clear difference between older outer leaves and tiny new center leaves.
Pruning to Prevent Bolting
Arugula loves cool weather. As temperatures rise, it will try to produce a flower stalk and go to seed—this is called bolting. Once it bolts, leaves turn very bitter.
Regular pruning is your best defense. By consistantly removing older leaves, you signal the plant to focus on leaf growth, not reproduction. If you see a flower stalk starting to form, pinch it off immediately.
What to Do With Bolted Arugula
If your plant does bolt all the way, the leaves aren’t great for salads anymore. But don’t pull it out right away! The small, white flowers are edible and have a nice peppery taste. You can let it flower to attract beneficial insects to your garden.
Aftercare for Pruned Plants
A little care after pruning ensures your arugula bounces back fast. Keep the soil consistantly moist, but not soggy. A light application of a balanced, liquid fertilizer every two weeks can give them a boost, especially if you’re harvesting frequently.
Keep an eye out for pests like flea beetles, who love arugula leaves. Row covers can help protect your tender, regrowing plants.
Common Pruning Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple tasks have pitfalls. Here’s what to steer clear of.
- Tearing Leaves: Always use a sharp tool. Pulling or tearing leaves can uproot the whole plant or create open wounds for disease.
- Overharvesting: Taking to much at once shocks the plant and slows down regrowth dramatically.
- Cutting the Crown: Damaging the central growing point can kill the plant. Always leave the tiny center leaves alone.
- Pruning Wet Plants: Try not to prune when leaves are wet from rain or dew, as this can spread fungal diseases more easily.
Storing Your Crisp Harvest
Proper storage keeps your pruned leaves crisp. After harvesting, give them a gentle wash in cool water to remove any dirt. Dry them thoroughly in a salad spinner or with towels.
Store the completely dry leaves in a loosely sealed plastic bag or container lined with a paper towel. The towel absorbs excess moisture. They should stay fresh in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you prune arugula?
You can prune arugula every 7 to 10 days during its peak growing season in cool weather. This regular schedule encourages a steady supply of new leaves.
Can you cut arugula so it keeps growing?
Yes, absolutely! That’s the whole point of pruning. By cutting the outer leaves correctly and leaving the center, you allow the arugula plant to regrow multiple times.
What’s the difference between harvesting and pruning arugula?
Harvesting often means taking the whole plant at once. Pruning is a selective, ongoing harvest method where you take only some leaves, allowing for continuous growth over many weeks.
Does arugula grow back after cutting?
It grows back beautifully if you follow the proper technique. Each time you prune, the plant will produce a new flush of leaves from it’s center. You can often get several harvests from one sowing.
Mastering the technique of pruning your arugula is a game-changer for any home gardener. It turns a single planting into a long-lasting source of fresh, peppery greens. With just a pair of scissors and a few minutes every week, you can enjoy a crisp, continuous harvest that far outlasts an unpruned crop. Remember to keep the plants watered, watch for flower stalks, and always leave that vital center growth untouched. Your salads will thank you for it.