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Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a fast-growing leafy green that adds a delightful peppery kick to salads, pizzas, pestos, and more Getting started with arugula is easy when you understand the basics of the seeds This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know about arugula seed germination, storage, and sowing for a successful crop.
Arugula Seed Germination
One of the easiest vegetables to grow from seed, arugula germinates rapidly under proper conditions. Here’s what to know:
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Germination Time Arugula seeds typically germinate in 3-7 days Soaking seeds overnight can shorten germination,
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Soil Temperature: 65-85°F is ideal, but arugula can germinate in soils as cool as 40°F.
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Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Don’t bury too deeply or germination will suffer.
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Moisture: Keep soil moist, but not soaked. Good drainage prevents seedling issues like damping off.
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Sunlight: Partial sun is suitable, but full sun is optimal for robust germination.
Follow proper planting guidelines and arugula seeds will produce seedlings quickly. Thin young plants to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Storing Arugula Seeds
Like most seeds, arugula seeds stay viable longest when stored properly Here are tips for storage
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Place seeds in an airtight container like a mason jar or zip-top bag. Glass jars are ideal for long-term storage.
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Add a desiccant pack to absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth.
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Store seeds in a cool, dark place like the refrigerator or freezer for maximum longevity.
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Ideal storage temperature is 40-50°F. Avoid warm, humid environments.
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Properly stored, arugula seeds remain viable for 3-4 years, sometimes longer. Discard leftover seeds after each season.
With the right storage methods, arugula seeds will maintain high germination rates when it’s time to plant your next crop.
Direct Sowing Arugula Outdoors
One of the joys of growing arugula is that it thrives when directly sown into the garden. Follow these tips:
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When to Sow: Plant 2-4 weeks before your last expected spring frost date. Make successive plantings for continuous harvests.
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Where to Sow: Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare beds by mixing in aged compost.
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Planting Method: Broadcast seeds across the bed or sow in rows 1 inch apart, 1/4 inch deep. Cover with soil or compost.
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Irrigation: Water gently daily to maintain even moisture, especially around germination. Avoid letting soil dry out.
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Thinning: Once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, thin to 4-6 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
With the right timing and technique, direct sowing arugula leads to an abundant harvest.
Starting Indoors & Transplanting
You can also start arugula indoors for an earlier crop. Here’s how:
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Plant seeds in containers or cell packs 6-8 weeks before your last frost. Use seed starting mix and allow 1-2 weeks for germination.
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Provide plenty of light from a sunny window or grow lights. Supplement with fertilizer once true leaves appear.
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Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting. Move plants outside temporarily to adjust to outdoor conditions.
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Transplant seedlings at 4-6 weeks old. Water thoroughly after planting and provide shade until established.
With protection from cold weather, indoor-started arugula transplants quicker for an earlier harvest.
Growing Arugula in Containers
Lack of garden space? Arugula also thrives in pots and planters! Follow these container growing tips:
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Select a pot at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Use commercial potting soil or make your own mix.
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Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2-3 seeds per pot. Place containers in full sun.
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Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Harvest outer leaves as needed for cut-and-come-again harvesting. Trim whole plants once they reach maturity.
With the right care, arugula will produce abundantly whether sown in beds, transplanted, or grown in containers. Now that you know the ins and outs of arugula seeds, it’s time to get planting and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
When to Plant Arugula
- Arugula seeds will germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C), so sow them outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. See local frost dates.
- Sow in late summer or early fall for a fall or winter harvest.
How to Plant Arugula
- Sow seeds ¼-inch deep and about 1 inch apart in rows 10 inches apart. Alternatively, broadcast arugula seeds alone or mix them with other salad greens.
- Seeds germinate in about a week (or slightly longer in cold soil). Speed up germination by soaking seeds in water for a few hours prior to planting.
- According to Susan Mahr from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, “Seedlings have two rounded cotyledons, each with an indentation on the end, while the first young leaves are entire and elongated. Older leaves have lobes of varying degrees, so these leaves look like dark green oak leaf lettuce – often deeply pinnate with 4-10 lobes.”
- Sow new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest later on!
Growing Arugula From Seed to Harvest
FAQ
How long do arugula seeds take to germinate?
Does arugula like sun or shade?
Should arugula seeds be soaked before planting?
How many arugula seeds to plant per hole?