Arugula, also known as rocket, is a spicy green leafy vegetable believed to originate from temperate regions of the Mediterranean region of southern Europe. Its first written record dates back to the 1st century, when it was used as a medicinal herb and aphrodisiac in ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire12. Today, arugula is popular in Italian and French cuisine, known for its peppery, nutty flavor and nutritional content3. It's actually a member of the brassica family, which also includes cruciferous vegetables like mustard greens, cabbage and broccoli4.
Selection of Rucola varieties
There are several varieties of arugula, each with its own unique characteristics. For example, 'Astro' is a milder variety with a peppery flavor, while 'Rocket' and 'Red Dragon' offer a spicier taste experience. 'Selvatica' and 'Wasabi' are other notable cultivars, with 'Selvatica' known for its wild and robust nature and 'Wasabi' for its unique flavor reminiscent of wasabi567.
Some varieties such as 'Arugula Coltivata' are fast growing and ready to harvest 30 days after sowing, while 'Wild Arugula' has smaller, deeper lobed leaves with a pronounced peppery flavor68.
Requirements for Land and Location
Arugula thrives best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil, but tolerates a wide range of conditions. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6 and 7 and thrives best in full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. It is important to ensure that the planting site is free of stones and other obstacles and that the soil remains consistently moist without becoming waterlogged.91011.
Seed selection and sowing
When choosing seeds, it is important to choose quality seeds to ensure healthy growth. Sow arugula seeds ¼ inch deep and about 1 inch apart in rows 10 inches apart, or spread the seeds alone or mix them with other salad greens. Seeds usually germinate within a week, even in cold soil, and it is recommended to sow new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest.9121310.
Watering and Humidity
It is best to water arugula plants in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation and ensure that the water reaches the roots. In general, arugula plants require at least an inch of water per week, and it is important to keep the soil evenly moist. In dry periods, it is helpful to water more often to prevent the plant from frolicking14151617.
Fertilization and Soil Care
Rucola requires a nutrient-rich and well-drained soil. It is recommended to fertilize once or twice per growing season to support healthy growth and continuous leaf production. Incorporating compost or other rich organic material into the soil before planting can improve the nutritional and textural properties of the soil.1819.
Pests and Diseases
Arugula is prone to pest attacks and diseases, just like other plants. The most common pests are aphids, thrips, whiteflies, slugs and snails, which can be controlled by hand picking or using bait. Growing healthy plants from the beginning using quality seeds or seedlings is an effective way to prevent pest attacks. In addition, practicing good irrigation management can prevent arugula from becoming vulnerable to attack12.
When it comes to diseases, the most common ones affecting arugula are leaf spot, downy mildew, powdery mildew and mosaic virus. These can be treated with an organic copper or sulfur fungicide and it is recommended to practice regular crop rotation to prevent pathogens from building up in the soil34.
Harvest and Storage
Arugula is generally ready for harvest 30-50 days after sowing, depending on the specific variety. It's best to check the back of the seed packet to get an idea of when your arugula should be ready to harvest. However, it is possible to harvest arugula earlier for smaller, milder leaves. When harvesting, you can either pick leaves one by one or cut off the entire head. It is important to note that arugula is a “cut and come back” crop, meaning it will continue to produce new leaves after it has been harvested567.
When it comes to storage, baby arugula should be stored in a cloth or plastic bag in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to five days. To store ripe arugula, first remove any twist ties or rubber bands around the bunch of arugula, as these bands can cause bruising. Discard any wilted leaves before storing8.
Culinary Uses
Arugula is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It can be tossed in salads, placed on a pizza, included in sandwiches and more. In addition, arugula can be used to make pesto sauce, mixed into Panzanella (an Italian bread salad) or even included in cocktails. There are recipes ranging from Grape, Gouda and Arugula Skewers as an appetizer to Angel Hair Noodles with Arugula and Pistacia as a main course9101112.
Sustainable Cultivation Methods
Arugula is an easy-to-grow leafy green that thrives in a range of soil conditions and can easily be grown sustainably. Some of the sustainable practices include growing in raised beds, hydroponics, and using organic compost and natural pest control methods. These methods can help minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides while improving soil health and preserving local ecosystems.1314.
Future Challenges and Innovation
While not much specific information is available about future challenges and innovations in arugula cultivation, it can be assumed that, as with other crops, climate change, pest resistance and sustainable cultivation will continue to be central themes. It will require continuous research and innovation to tackle these challenges and improve the sustainability and productivity of arugula cultivation.
Growing arugula can be a rewarding experience that not only brings fresh, nutritious green leaves to your table, but also allows you to delve into gardening in a sustainable way. From choosing the right arugula variety to understanding soil requirements, watering, fertilizing, and pest control, there are many factors to consider to ensure a successful harvest.
In addition, arugula gives you a chance to experiment in the kitchen with different recipes and make full use of this versatile vegetable. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, arugula gives you an opportunity to grow a healthy, flavorful vegetable right in your backyard. With the right information and tools in hand, you can begin your journey of growing arugula and enjoy the many benefits it brings.
Do you have questions? We have answers!
Why is arugula healthy?
Nutritional content. Rucola also has a very high concentration of vitamins and minerals. This salad contains approximately five times as much calcium, five times as much vitamins A, C and K and four times as much iron as a regular portion of iceberg lettuce.
Is it healthy to eat arugula?
The long leaves have a light mustard and nutty flavor, while the flavor is more pronounced with subtle peppery nuances in its natural growing environment. In addition to its characteristic taste, arugula is also healthy – it is rich in vitamin C and has a high iron content.
Can you cut down arugula?
The more arugula you eat, the more leaves the plant will produce, so cut free with a clear conscience. If the plant goes into flower, leaf growth stops. However, this can be avoided by continuously cutting the flowers down. This also prevents the arugula from spreading seeds and self-sowing where it is not wanted.
Is arugula strong?
Rucola has a distinctly spicy taste of mustard and pepper.
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