How Much Watering Does Your Arugula Plant Need: A Comprehensive Guide

Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy green vegetable that adds a wonderful peppery punch to salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. However, like any plant, arugula requires proper care and attention in order to thrive. One of the most critical aspects of growing healthy arugula is understanding its watering needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about watering your arugula for optimal growth.

How Often to Water Arugula

Arugula is fairly drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture is key to keeping it at peak flavor and preventing bolting. Here are some general guidelines on watering frequency:

• Seedlings Arugula seeds and seedlings need consistently moist soil to thrive. Water them daily or every other day while they establish roots.

• Mature plants: Once established, arugula plants need about 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. Check soil moisture daily by sticking your finger an inch into the soil–if it’s dry, it’s time to water.

• Hot weather: During periods of heat, arugula needs more frequent watering, up to 2-3 times per week. Don’t let soil dry out completely.

• Cool weather As temperatures drop, you can water less frequently, down to once a week.

How Much Water Does Arugula Need?

The amount of water your arugula needs depends on its size, container size, time of year, and climate. Here are some guidelines:

• Seedlings in small containers or beds need about 1/4 cup of water daily,

• Mature plants need 1-2 inches of water weekly. To measure this, place empty tuna cans throughout your planting area and water until 1-2 inches fills them.

• During summer, established arugula may need up to 2 gallons of water per square foot of growing area per week.

• In cool weather, mature plants need about 1 gallon per square foot weekly.

• Container gardens require more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Check soil daily and water when top inch is dry.

Signs Your Arugula Needs Water

It’s important to monitor your arugula for signs of underwatering. Symptoms include:

• Wilting or drooping leaves
• Leaves appear dried out or crisp
• Poor growth
• Stunted plants
• Soil pulls away from container edges

Take action and water your arugula immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Signs You’re Overwatering Your Arugula

While arugula needs consistent moisture, saturated soil can be problematic. Signs of overwatering include:

• Yellow or brown leaves
• Soft, mushy leaves
• Leaf drop
• Foul odor from soil
• Slimy soil
• Fungal issues like damping off

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings and reduce frequency if you notice these signs.

Tips for Watering Arugula

Here are some tips for optimizing your arugula watering practices:

• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation loss.

• Use a watering can or hose with a gentle spray attachment to avoid battering delicate leaves.

• Water at soil level rather than overhead watering.

• Allow excess water to drain fully from containers after watering.

• Add organic mulch like straw around plants to retain soil moisture.

• Install drip irrigation on timers to automate watering.

• Adjust watering based on rainfall–skip watering if rains were heavy.

• Check soil frequently with your finger to monitor moisture levels.

Watering Arugula in Containers vs. In Ground

Container-grown arugula requires more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Pots heat up faster and retain less moisture than the earth. To keep container arugula thriving:

• Water when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

• Add water until it drains freely from the pot’s bottom holes.

• Consider self-watering containers to maintain even moisture.

• Use moisture-retentive potting mixes, not garden soil.

• Mulch container soil to slow evaporation.

• Move pots to shady spots on hot days.

For in-ground arugula, allow soil to dry to a depth of 2-3 inches between waterings. Rely more on rainfall but supplement with manual watering during dry spells.

Watering Arugula Indoors

Growing arugula indoors allows you to control moisture carefully. Here are some tips:

• Use a rich, well-draining potting mix, not regular garden soil.

• Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.

• Water when top inch of soil is dry until water drains from bottom.

• Monitor humidity levels–arugula thrives around 60-70% relative humidity.

• Consider using a humidifier if indoor air is very dry.

• Avoid overhead watering indoors to prevent disease issues.

• Allow excess water to drain fully after each watering.

Common Arugula Watering Issues and Solutions

Here are some common arugula watering problems and how to address them:

Problem: Leaves are wilted and dried out.

Solution: Water more frequently, up to 2-3 times per week during summer.

Problem: Leaves are yellow, soil is foul-smelling.

Solution: Allow soil to dry between waterings and reduce watering frequency.

Problem: Leaves dropping, plant collapsing.

Solution: Water more consistently, don’t let soil fully dry out.

Problem: Fungal diseases on leaves or stems.

Solution: Water soil only, avoid wetting foliage. Improve drainage.

Problem: Slow growth and poor yields.

Solution: Water more deeply – at least 1-2 inches per week.

Key Takeaways

• Arugula needs 1-2 inches of water per week for optimal growth.

• Increase frequency during hot weather and reduce during cool weather.

• Water when top inch of soil is dry.

• Seedlings need more frequent watering than mature plants.

• Containers require more watering than in-ground plantings.

• Allow soil to partially dry between waterings to prevent diseases.

• Adjust watering practices based on weather and plant health cues.

By understanding arugula’s unique water preferences and properly adjusting your watering schedule, you can enjoy thriving, productive plants. Pay close attention to cues from your plants and soil moisture levels, and you’ll master the art of watering your arugula perfectly.