Arugula
Eruca vesicaria
Arugula is a fast-growing, cool-season leafy green in the brassica family. It goes from seed to a low rosette of lobed leaves in a matter of weeks.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Regular; keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria), known as rocket in much of the world, is a leafy annual in the brassica family.
A separate species, Diplotaxis tenuifolia (wild or perennial rocket), is also sold as arugula and has finer, more deeply cut leaves.
Quick, cool-loving and easy to grow in beds, containers or as microgreens, arugula is one of the speediest leafy plants to grow in a garden.
How to identify it
- Habit: Low rosette of leaves, 15-30 cm (6-12 in), bolting taller when flowering
- Leaves: Deeply lobed, oak-leaf-shaped, smooth and bright green
- Flowers: Small, four-petalled, creamy white with purple veining (cultivated arugula) or yellow (wild rocket)
- Seeds: Small pods typical of the brassica family
Care & growing
Light: Full sun in cool weather; partial shade helps slow bolting in warmth.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist; drought stresses the plant.
Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.0-7.0.
Temperature: Cool-season crop; grows fast in spring and autumn and bolts quickly in summer heat.
Feeding: Light feeder; rich soil or a little nitrogen is plenty for its quick growth.
Propagation: Direct-sow seed in succession every couple of weeks for a continuous supply; harvest outer leaves or cut whole young plants.
Habitat & origin
Arugula is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, where it has been grown since Roman times.
It naturalizes readily in disturbed and waste ground in temperate climates and is now cultivated worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
How fast does arugula grow?
Very fast. Baby leaves can be ready in around 3-4 weeks from sowing, making it one of the quickest leafy crops.
What does arugula look like?
It forms a low rosette of bright green, deeply lobed, oak-leaf-shaped leaves and, when it bolts, taller stems with small four-petalled creamy-white (or yellow, in wild rocket) flowers.
What's the difference between rocket and wild rocket?
"Rocket" usually means Eruca vesicaria with broader leaves; wild rocket (Diplotaxis) has finer, more deeply cut leaves.
When does arugula grow best?
It is a cool-season plant that grows quickly in spring and autumn and tends to bolt and run to flower in summer heat.
Arugula guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Arugula.
Arugula identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Plant Identifier.
