Arugula is a leafy green in the Brassicaceae family that is closely related to Mustard. It is considered a cruciferous vegetable and has a distinctively pleasant, peppery flavor. Also known as rocket or Italian Cress, Arugula is a popular base for salads and can be combined with a wide variety of other foods that complement its unique taste.
You may want to learn how to grow Arugula in your garden, as it is high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals and is often praised for its numerous health benefits. While it can be cooked, doing so will slightly change its flavor and will reduce some of its vitamin content. For optimal health benefits and flavor, Arugula is best if consumed raw.
Growing arugula in GardenSoxx® | Plant Family: Brassicaceae
Different Varieties of Arugula
Exploring different varieties of Arugula to grow in your garden allows you to discover the delicious potential of this nutritious green. Here are a few to look out for:
Rocket is arguably the most popular variety of Arugula and is the one found most often in grocery stores. Grow your own organic version in just 40 days from seed!
Italian Cress boasts wider leaves that are similar to certain varieties of lettuce, making it a bit easier to work with in the kitchen.
The Red Dragon variety adds a colorful flair to your plate and has a more mellow, but still peppery flavor that will not overpower your summer salads.
Astro Arugula is a quick-growing variety with a broader leaf that will be ready for picking in as little as 3 weeks. The white flowers produced by this variety can also be added to your salad bowl for a bit of flair.
Runway Arugula is a popular favorite, easily found as seed packets in your local garden centers. It gives a generous yield but should be harvested sooner than later as the leaves will go bitter once they are too old.
Nutritional Information For Arugula
Nutritional Facts - per 100/g
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 25 | - |
| Total Fat | 0.1 g | - |
| Sodium | 27 mg | - |
| Potassium | 369 mg | - |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | - |
| Sugar | 2.1 g | - |
| Protein | 2.6 g | - |
| Vitamin C | - | 25% |
| Iron | - | 8% |
| Vitamin B6 | - | 5% |
| Magnesium | - | 11% |
| Calcium | - | 16% |
How to Grow Arugula in Your GardenSoxx®
Can be sown outdoors directly from seed at the very beginning of the growing season (1-2 weeks before the final frost), ¼” deep in the soil and about 6 inches apart. Plant in an area of the garden that receives at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Soil should be kept moist but well-drained for best results.
Arugula Seed to Harvest Time: 6-8 Weeks
How to Harvest Arugula
When ready to harvest, cut the leaves about an inch up from the leaf base, leaving the base and roots in the ground. Arugula leaves will re-grow from the base, allowing you to harvest multiple times during the growing season.
