When to Plant Arugula: Top Tips and Tricks

One of the most used crops for own consumption when we make an urban garden arugula. However, there are many people who do not know when to plant arugula in order to optimize its growth and have better results when harvesting.

For this reason, we are going to dedicate this article to telling you when to plant arugula, what characteristics they have and what are some fundamental aspects so that care is correct.

When to plant arugula

It is easy to grow arugula in an urban garden since it is one of those plants that are encouraged to grow due to the great results it requires with minimal care. We can cultivate it, especially to take advantage of its leaves, since at a professional level it has other possibilities, such as cultivation to obtain its flowers and seeds. Therefore, we will focus on its cultivation to enjoy its characteristic spicy and slightly bitter tasteas well as advanced cooking loved by consumers.

It should be noted that for the mechanized harvesting of arugula, arugula is sown in the open field on a flat and well-leveled cultivation platform, with a planting density higher than usual (approximately 5 cm between plants) and distributed by sowing. Once germinated and in the seedling state, they are harvested several times to collect their tender leaves.

These sheets are used both to configure the pre-packaged salad sachets that we find in the fruit and vegetable section of supermarkets, and are also sold to restaurants so that they can prepare these dishes in the menus that include it.

Sowing

With few exceptions, there are no arugula seedlings like other species such as beets, spinach, or other leafy garden species. So, to grow it, we will start by buying packets of arugula seeds, which we can easily find in flower shops, garden centers, DIY malls and other specialized outlets.

One sachet is enough to feed a family for a whole year. It is a very cheap variety. We can find different types of arugula seed packets:

• Depending on the weight, they are usually between 5 and 10 grams. There are companies that sell these sachets very cheaply and adjust the amount of seeds to the final sale price of the sachet, which is the same for all species. But to give us an idea, there are about 3.000 seeds in a 10g sachet.
• Depending on the type, can be standard or ecological. The difference is that the so-called organic seeds come from organically grown “mother plants”.
• Depending on the variety, in this case the rocket catalog is very small and focuses on the so-called “rocket seeds for salads”.
• In these sachets of arugula seeds, in addition to the name of the plant, producer and identifying image of the plant, We can also find the necessary information through diagrams or pictograms.

Step by step to plant arugula

It is best to sow this plant directly. Direct sowing of arugula can be done in pots, pots, or directly in the field. We can use the technique of sowing it directly in alveolar trays so that we can start the cultivation (germination and initial germination). So, when we already have space to spare, we can transplant these well-established seedlings and start collecting their leaves soon after.

For its sowing we will start from the rocket seed capsules. Many people wonder when to plant arugula to optimize its growth. Growing arugula outdoors in a Mediterranean climate, whether in an urban field or in a garden, will begin direct sowing in spring, summer, and fall, although the best time to sow is early spring. We will plant 2 or 3 seeds in each hole, burying them one centimeter deep. Planting frames can be established leaving 15-20 cm between plants and 30 cm between rows.

If we grow it in a pot or pot in an urban terrazzo or balcony garden, the seasons are the same and yes, we take care to place the container in full sun and avoid strong winds as much as possible. Remember that buildings are generally more susceptible to wind.

The size of the pot does not have to be very tall, since arugula does not have a deep root system. Regarding the type of substrate to use, it can be one of the types of planting substrate we will add 20% field soil and 10% clay or clay.

The substrate must remain moist throughout the germination period. The optimum soil temperature is above 15ºC and it will germinate about 10-14 days after sowing.

Once it has sprouted, we will remove the herbs that have sprouted around it and we will keep it watered regularly and fertilizing every 15 days with a balanced fertilizer that contains the doses of trace elements recommended by the manufacturer.

We must avoid fertilizers that are too high in nitrogen because although we must favor the development of the foliage, we must also maintain its abundance to avoid disease problems. Another cultural work to be carried out is to periodically remove the earth to favor its aeration.

The ideal growing temperature is between 15 and 25ºC. And the time it takes for a crop to go from planting to harvest, if we are going to use it, is about four months. Its collection is done manually through multiple steps throughout the cultivation process according to our needs. The freshness and flavor of these leaves are unmatched.

Arugula pests and diseases

If the crops are placed correctly and watering, fertilization and crop density are correct, it is quite rare for a rocket to have pests and diseases that may occur. Keep in mind that its cultivation lasts several months and it is also a very rustic plant.

In case of phytosanitary problems, the most common pests are aphids and the most common diseases are rust and powdery mildew.

Certain problems may arise that, although they are not directly related to the pest, do have an indirect relationship. We refer to rotations or combinations of crops on the same land or substrate. When growing in the field, one should avoid growing cabbage, radish, radish and other plants of the same family in the same place. On the other hand, it is also beneficial in combination with other crops such as eggplant, lettuce, tomato or pepper.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about when to plant arugula and what are the steps for its cultivation.