Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy green that can add a delicious peppery punch to salads, sandwiches, pastas and more. If you’re growing arugula at home, you may be wondering just how tall this tasty plant can get. The maximum height depends on several key factors. Read on to learn what affects the height of your arugula and how to help it reach its full potential.
Varieties Make a Difference
One of the most significant factors determining an arugula plant’s height is the particular variety you are growing There are many different cultivars to choose from, including
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Wild arugula – Typically reaches 12-18 inches tall Has very deeply lobed leaves
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Salad rocket – A smaller variety, only 8-12 inches tall. Leaves are more mildly flavored.
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Apollo – A popular hybrid variety that grows 10-12 inches tall. Fast-growing with a spicy bite
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Runway – Heights of 12-16 inches. Long, slender leaves perfect for garnishing.
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Sylvetta – A slow bolting type that can achieve heights over 18 inches. Broad, tender leaves.
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Roquette – French heirloom variety with heights of 16-20 inches. Deeply cut, serrated leaves.
As you can see, with the proper variety selection you can achieve arugula plants from 8 inches to over 20 inches tall at maturity. Check seed packets or plant tags to choose a variety suited to your desired height.
Soil Quality Matters
The quality of the soil you plant your arugula in will directly impact how tall it grows. Arugula thrives in loose, fertile soil that drains well. Key aspects to aim for include:
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A loose texture – Heavy clay or tightly compacted soils will restrict root development, limiting plant height. Incorporate compost to improve texture.
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Rich in organic matter – Nutrient-rich soil fuels strong plant growth. Mix in aged manure or compost before planting.
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Neutral pH around 6.5-7 – Extreme soil acidity or alkalinity will inhibit nutrient uptake. Test soil pH and amend if needed.
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Free-draining – Arugula dislikes wet feet. Ensure excess water can drain away to avoid root rot.
Preparing the soil properly makes all the difference in achieving your tallest arugula plants possible.
Water Requirements
Consistent soil moisture is vital for vigorous arugula growth. Allowing plants to dry out or become waterlogged will limit their development.
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Water thoroughly 1-2 times per week, aiming for 1 inch of water weekly including rain.
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Check soil moisture before watering again – don’t water on a fixed schedule.
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Soak the entire root zone, not just the surface. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downwards.
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Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings. Soggy soil suffocates roots and leads to rot.
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Mulch around plants to conserve soil moisture and reduce watering needs.
Proper irrigation during both the growing and rooting stages helps arugula plants achieve their intended heights.
Climate Conditions
Temperature and exposure to sunlight significantly influence how tall arugula will grow. Here are optimal conditions to maximize height:
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Cool temperatures – Ideal temps are 60-70°F. Hot weather above 80°F can cause bolting.
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Full sun – Arugula thrives with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for strongest growth.
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Light frost tolerant – Can withstand temps down to the mid 20s°F. Hard freezes will damage plants.
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Afternoon shade – Provides relief from intense midday sun in hot climates to deter bolting.
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Wind protection – Shelter from strong wind helps prevent damage to tender leaves and stalks.
Adjusting your planting schedule and providing shade/shelter as needed allows arugula to prosper in your specific climate.
Nutrient Needs
While arugula is not a heavy feeder, supplying adequate nutrients ensures plants have the building blocks to reach their ideal heights.
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Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting to enrich the soil.
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Side dress growing plants with compost or organic fertilizer once every 2-3 weeks.
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Fish emulsion, blood meal, alfalfa meal and worm castings can provide an added nutrient boost.
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Monitor plants for signs of deficiencies like yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
Meeting nutritional requirements without overdoing it gives arugula the fuel it needs for prosperous growth.
Harvesting Techniques
How and when you harvest your arugula can also affect how tall it ultimately grows. Best practices include:
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Start harvesting outer leaves once plants are 4-6 inches tall. This encourages continued production of new leaves.
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Use scissors for clean cuts rather than tearing leaves. Damaged plants are prone to disease.
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Harvest early in the day when leaves are crisp. Afternoon heat causes wilting.
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Remove any flowering stalks as soon as they appear to deter bolting.
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Leave the center rosette intact for regrowth. Don’t cut all the way down to soil level.
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Stop harvesting if plants show signs of stress or excessive thinning. Allow them time to recover.
With careful ongoing harvesting, each arugula plant can attain its maximum height and yield over an extended harvest.
Container Considerations
You can certainly grow arugula successfully in containers. However, pot size can restrict how tall plants will get:
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Choose containers at least 6-8 inches deep and wide to allow ample room for root development.
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Make sure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Use a quality potting mix with added organic matter like compost or worm castings.
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Water more frequently as containers dry out quicker than garden beds. Check soil daily.
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Move containers into dappled shade during summer’s peak heat to help deter bolting.
With the right practices, container-grown arugula can thrive – just adjust expectations on ultimate plant height.
Height Doesn’t Equal Health
When growing arugula, don’t assume that taller is necessarily better. Plants that bolt rapidly and stretch upwards too quickly often have poorer quality leaves and a bitter flavor.
Focus on supporting steady, moderate growth through proper soil prep, irrigation, and nutrient balance. This results in the best tasting leaves and cut-and-come-again harvesting over an extended period.
Key Takeaways
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Arugula plants can reach heights anywhere from 8 inches to well over 20 inches depending on variety.
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Optimal soil quality, watering, climate conditions and nutrition maximize growth potential.
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Frequent but careful harvesting promotes continued leaf production.
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Pot size and drainage must be adequate when container gardening.
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Strive for controlled, steady growth for the best quality arugula.
With a little care in addressing these key factors, you can enjoy a vigorous harvest of tender arugula leaves from tall, healthy plants. Get growing!
Quick Guide to Growing Arugula
- Grow arugula during the cool days of early spring or fall. It grows well in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens.
- Plant arugula 12-18 inches apart in a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil.
- Before planting, mix compost or other rich organic matter into your native soil to improve nutrition and texture.
- Water in gently and keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season by watering when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
- Encourage excellent leaf production by regularly feeding with a continuous-release plant food.
- Preserve soil moisture and prevent weeds with a layer of organic material such as dried pine needles or dry grass clippings.
- Harvest the outermost leaves once they are large enough to eat.
- Flowering will begin as summer approaches, changing the flavor. Pull the plant when the flavor becomes too intense.
When is the best time to plant arugula?
Arugula is a cool-season annual, meaning that it is good in spring or fall. Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Like any herb or vegetable that needs to grow green leaves, arugula will benefit from compost and/or fertilizer. Water when the soil gets dry. Then all you need to do is enjoy its distinctive, seasonal flavor.
Growing Arugula From Seed to Harvest
FAQ
How tall can arugula grow?
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Common Name
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Arugula, rocket, garden rocket
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Family
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Brassicaceae
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Plant Type
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Annual, vegetable
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Size
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2–3 ft. tall, 1–1.5 ft. wide
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Sun Exposure
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Full sun, part shade
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What not to plant next to arugula?
Can arugula get too big?
Can arugula get too much sun?
How does arugula grow?
In the early stages, you can harvest some leaves without harming the plant. This is called the “cut-and-come-again” phase, where you pick the outer leaves, and the plant keeps producing more. As the arugula grows, it produces flowers. After flowering, the plant produces seeds, and this is the last stage of its life cycle.
What are the 7 stages of arugula growth?
Arugula growing stages will include seven stages such as sowing, germination, young plants, mature plants, flowering plants, fruiting plants, and dry plants. Join us to learn about the characteristics and notes in each stage of development of Arugula. Arugula is grown from seeds like some other common vegetables.
How tall does arugula grow?
Arugula tends to grow up to 12 inches in height if it is regularly harvested. The plants can grow taller than this, but the largest and oldest leaves will taste very bitter. It is better to regularly harvest the leaves for a continual supply, before the flavor changes.
Can arugula grow in full sun?
Arugula loves full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade. Make sure to choose a location with well-draining soil and a shallow root system. The soil should also be rich in nutrients and have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. 3. Planting Arugula Seeds To plant arugula, you can either use seeds or seedlings.