Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)
Care, watering, light and tips for Arugula on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Arugula
Eruca vesicaria, commonly known as arugula or rocket, is an annual herb from the Brassicaceae family prized for its edible leaves. It features deeply lobed, dark green leaves with a characteristic peppery flavor, perfect for enhancing salads and Mediterranean dishes. It's an excellent choice for urban gardens, herb patches, or pots on balconies, adding freshness and a distinctive touch.
Native range
Mediterranean region
Care tips
Arugula thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring temperate climates to prevent premature bolting. It requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during warm periods. Use a well-draining, organically rich substrate. A common mistake is allowing the plants to bolt, which toughens the leaves and makes them more bitter; frequent harvesting and successive sowings are recommended for continuous production.
How to save a dying Arugula
- Warning signs
- Yellowish/pale leaves, stunted growth, very bitter taste.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist but not soggy soil), improve light if dim, and fertilize gently.
- What kills it
- Extreme dryness or constant waterlogging. Also, lack of direct light or strong summer sun.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted and it still has green leaves, even small ones.