Arugula
Eruca Sativa

days to maturity: 21 baby; 38 full size
plant spacing: 4-6 inches apart
sunlight requirements: 6 - 14 hours
look out for: flea beetles and aphids
harvest notes: harvest leaves when they range 3”- 6” in height, to keep them from getting too spicy
seasons: fall, winter, spring
annual

Arugula, also called rocket and roquette, has a pungent, peppery flavor that is exceptionally strong for a leafy green. It is frequently used in salads, often mixed with other greens in a mesclun. It is also used raw with pasta or meats in northern Italy and in western Slovenia. Grown as an edible herb in the Mediterranean area since Roman times, it was mentioned by various classical authors as an aphrodisiac, for this reason during the Middle Ages it was forbidden to grow rocket in monasteries. We rely heavily on arugula, since its a quick growing Miami friendly tender green with a nice spicy flavor that remains pleasant after flowering. Allow plants to mature by spacing them appropriately for stronger flavor and heartier leaves, or direct sow close together in rows and harvest young for salad leaves. If grown this way plants will regrow a few times before needing to be reseeded.