Plant Name: Arugula
| Sunlight(?) | Full sun to partial shade (6-8 hours) |
| Days To Maturity(?) | 40-60 |
| Planting Season(?) | Spring, Fall |
| Temperature(?) | 45-65°F (7-18°C) |
| Seeds Or Seedlings(?) | Both can be used (Buy Seeds) |
| Container Size(?) | 1-2 gallon (6-8 inch) (Buy Now) |
| Support Needed(?) | No |
| Potting Soil(?) | Regular (Buy Now) |
| Watering Needs(?) | Regular |
| Fertilizer(?) | Nitrogen-rich (Buy Now) |
| Pests(?) | Flea beetles, aphids, cabbage loopers |
| Diseases(?) | Downy mildew, bacterial leaf spot, damping off |
How To Grow
- Container Selection: Choose a container with a depth of at least 6-8 inches and a diameter of 12-18 inches. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil: Fill the container with well-draining potting mix or a blend of potting soil and compost to provide nutrients.
- Variety Selection: Select arugula varieties suited for container growing, such as ‘Astro,’ ‘Sylvetta,’ or ‘Rocket.’
- Location: Place the container in a location with partial shade to full sun. Arugula prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate some shade.
- Planting: Sow arugula seeds directly into the container, covering them lightly with soil. Alternatively, you can transplant seedlings. Space the seeds or seedlings about 2-4 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water arugula regularly, especially during dry spells, to promote healthy growth and prevent bitterness.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the arugula plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Arugula is a light feeder and may not require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks to promote healthy growth.
- Pest Control: Monitor the arugula plants for pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and caterpillars. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations.
- Harvesting: Harvest arugula leaves when they reach the desired size, typically 4-6 inches tall. Use scissors to cut outer leaves, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for future harvests.
Check out our detailed guide to grow arugula in a container.
Fact Checked, Written, and Published by Kevin Rodrigues
Kevin is the founder of Gardening Mentor, a website that aims to teach people to grow their own food in a limited space. As a self-taught gardener, Kevin has spent several years growing plants and creating gardening content on the website. He is certified in Home Horticulture and Organic Gardening from Oregon State University. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Horticulture and Landscape Gardening from Mumbai University.
Read more