If you’re like me, the hardest part of gardening is the patience required. If I plant seeds today, I want to harvest produce tomorrow! While that’s not exactly possible, theres good news for us impatient gardeners—with a little work today, you could be harvesting fresh produce in as little as two weeks! Arugula, also known as roquette or rocket, is a beloved salad green that matures quickly while adding a delightful tang to your favorite dishes. What’s more, this cool-weather crop is easy to grow, making it a fantastic addition to any garden. In this comprehensive guide, well explore every aspect of growing arugula, from site preparation to companion plants and even saving seeds.
Before we begin, it is important to note that there are a few different types of arugula available and each will differ slightly in its flavor profile and growth habit.Astro Arugula is known for its mild flavor and early harvest readiness, Astro Arugula is a popular choice for those who prefer a less peppery taste. Its an excellent option for salads and pairs well with a variety of other greens.Rocket Arugula is an early variety of arugula offers tender leaves with a spicy, peppery flavor. Its a favorite among arugula enthusiasts who enjoy a zesty kick in their salads.Sylvetta (Wild Arugula) is smaller, slower-growing, and boasts a pungent flavor. Its edible yellow flowers set it apart from the more common, white-flowered arugula varieties. Sylvetta is often used in mesclun mixes, adding complexity to salads.
Arugula is a versatile plant that doesnt demand much, making it a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. To ensure a successful harvest, choose a well-drained spot with fertile soil. Arugula also thrives in containers or window boxes filled with a compost-based mix. Arugulas adaptability to various soil types and growing conditions makes it a wonderful addition to any garden. Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a small balcony, you can enjoy the benefits of this flavorful leafy green. When preparing the site for arugula, consider the following factors:Soil Conditions: Arugula prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Work some finished compost into the top 3 inches (8 cm) of the soil to improve fertility and ensure that your arugula plants have access to the nutrients they need for healthy growth.Sunlight: Arugula enjoys full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. If youre planting it in a location with intense summer heat, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent the leaves from turning too bitter too quickly.Water Requirements: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Arugula appreciates moderate and consistent watering. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to encourage healthy growth.Container Gardening: If you have limited space or no access to a garden, dont worry. Arugula is perfectly suited for container gardening. You can plant it in pots or window boxes filled with a compost-based container mix. Just make sure the containers have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a popular leafy green vegetable known for its sharp, peppery flavor. Though the leaves are the primary edible part, the roots and stems also play key roles in the growth and function of the arugula plant. Understanding the anatomy and function of these plant parts provides valuable insight into properly caring for and cultivating arugula.
Arugula Root System
The root system is vital for anchoring the arugula plant in the soil, absorbing water and nutrients, and storing carbohydrates and proteins. It consists of two main types of roots:
Taproot
- Primary root that grows vertically downwards into the soil
- Anchors plant and absorbs water and nutrients from deeper soil layers
- Can grow up to 1 foot long
Lateral Roots
- Smaller roots branching off from taproot
- Spread horizontally through upper layers of soil
- Increase surface area for absorption of water and nutrients
In young seedlings, the taproot forms first, with lateral roots developing as the plant matures. The extensive network formed by the lateral roots maximizes absorption of moisture and dissolved minerals in the soil.
Functions of Arugula Roots
The key functions of the arugula root system include
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Anchorage – taproot anchors plant securely in ground
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Absorption – lateral roots uptake water and mineral nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc
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Conduction – transport absorbed water and nutrients up to stems and leaves
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Storage – taproot can store carbohydrates and proteins as energy reserves
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Reproduction – some lateral roots can give rise to new plants through vegetative reproduction
Arugula Stem Anatomy
The stems of the arugula plant provide structural support and facilitate transportation of water, nutrients, and sugars. Key anatomical parts include:
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Nodes – points on stem where leaves, buds, and branches originate
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Internodes – stem segments between nodes
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Vascular bundles – strands of xylem and phloem tissues that conduct water, minerals, and sugars
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Pith – spongy, parenchyma tissue in center of stem
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Cortex – ground tissue between vascular bundles and epidermis
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Epidermis – outer protective cell layer covering stem surface
The stem tissue arrangement maximizes strength while still permitting the transport of water, minerals and carbohydrates up and down the plant.
Functions of Arugula Stems
The key functions of the arugula stem include:
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Support – holds leaves, flowers, and branches upright
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Transport – xylem and phloem tissues conduct water, minerals and sugars
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Storage – pith and cortex store carbohydrates
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Protection – epidermis protects inner tissues
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Photosynthesis – cortex contains chlorophyll to perform small amounts of photosynthesis
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Reproduction – lateral stems can root to produce genetically identical clones
Proper stem function is integral to arugula health and productivity. For example, efficient nutrient transport allows leaves and flowers access to the elements necessary for growth and flowering.
The Relationship Between Roots and Stems
The root and stem systems of the arugula plant work closely together to support all functions of the plant. Here are some key interactions:
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Roots absorb water and dissolved minerals from soil and send to stems for transport upwards
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Stems transport sugars and carbohydrates produced in leaves down to roots for storage
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Both roots and stems can reproduce new arugula plants through vegetative cloning
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Loss of anchorage from root damage can impair stem’s ability to keep leaves and flowers upright
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Reduced stem growth limits leaves access to sunlight necessary for photosynthesis
The integrated root and stem systems underpin the entire physiology of the arugula plant. Understanding this anatomy and function aids gardeners in providing the proper cultivation conditions for healthy, robust arugula crops.
Though small in stature, the arugula plant relies on the specialized structures and functions of its roots and stems to drive all aspects of growth and reproduction. The taproot anchors the plant while the laterals absorb and transport water and minerals. The stem supports the leaves and flowers while conducting sugars and nutrients between the shoots and roots. Knowledge of this foundational physiology will equip any gardener to succeed in raising flavorful arugula.
BECKY WEEKS, PH.D.
Becky is a geneticist with a passion for gardening. Prior to starting Thresh Seed Co., she spent fifteen years researching plant genetics and development, later applying those principles to aid in the breeding of commercial corn and soybean varieties. She lives on a farm in Iowa with her husband and three children, where she enjoys growing just about anything and experimenting with the breeding of new vegetable varieties.
If you’re like me, the hardest part of gardening is the patience required. If I plant seeds today, I want to harvest produce tomorrow! While that’s not exactly possible, theres good news for us impatient gardeners—with a little work today, you could be harvesting fresh produce in as little as two weeks! Arugula, also known as roquette or rocket, is a beloved salad green that matures quickly while adding a delightful tang to your favorite dishes. What’s more, this cool-weather crop is easy to grow, making it a fantastic addition to any garden. In this comprehensive guide, well explore every aspect of growing arugula, from site preparation to companion plants and even saving seeds.
Before we begin, it is important to note that there are a few different types of arugula available and each will differ slightly in its flavor profile and growth habit.Astro Arugula is known for its mild flavor and early harvest readiness, Astro Arugula is a popular choice for those who prefer a less peppery taste. Its an excellent option for salads and pairs well with a variety of other greens.Rocket Arugula is an early variety of arugula offers tender leaves with a spicy, peppery flavor. Its a favorite among arugula enthusiasts who enjoy a zesty kick in their salads.Sylvetta (Wild Arugula) is smaller, slower-growing, and boasts a pungent flavor. Its edible yellow flowers set it apart from the more common, white-flowered arugula varieties. Sylvetta is often used in mesclun mixes, adding complexity to salads.
Arugula is a versatile plant that doesnt demand much, making it a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. To ensure a successful harvest, choose a well-drained spot with fertile soil. Arugula also thrives in containers or window boxes filled with a compost-based mix. Arugulas adaptability to various soil types and growing conditions makes it a wonderful addition to any garden. Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a small balcony, you can enjoy the benefits of this flavorful leafy green. When preparing the site for arugula, consider the following factors:Soil Conditions: Arugula prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in a soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Work some finished compost into the top 3 inches (8 cm) of the soil to improve fertility and ensure that your arugula plants have access to the nutrients they need for healthy growth.Sunlight: Arugula enjoys full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. If youre planting it in a location with intense summer heat, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent the leaves from turning too bitter too quickly.Water Requirements: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Arugula appreciates moderate and consistent watering. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist, especially during dry periods, to encourage healthy growth.Container Gardening: If you have limited space or no access to a garden, dont worry. Arugula is perfectly suited for container gardening. You can plant it in pots or window boxes filled with a compost-based container mix. Just make sure the containers have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
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Plant Anatomy and Structure
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