Arugula is a fast growing, cool season green. It is perfect for the early spring garden and also great for extending the season into fall. Two of the most commonly grown wild arugulas are: Diplotaxisx tenuifolia and Diplotaxisx integrifolia.
Arugula goes by many common names, which get applied to about 20 different species of greens. Almost all of them are in the Brassicaceae or cole crop family. The two most popularly grown types for culinary purposes are 'Wild Arugula'' (Diplotaxisx), the spicy, hot variety, and 'Cultivated Arugula' (Eruca vesicaria), a tamer version. Cultivated arugula has white flowers and oval leaves, often with a wavy serration. Wild arugula has yellow flowers and smooth or serrated leaves. It is more heat tolerant with a hotter flavor and stronger scented than a cultivated rocket. There are several species within the Diplotaxis genus. You'll find them labeled as wild rocket, wall-rocket, Rucola Selvatica, or Arugula Sylvetta.
The biggest maintenance chore is keeping your arugula well watered. Regular water will keep plants from bolting too quickly. If you are surprised with a sudden heat wave, try to shade the plants, in addition to keeping them watered.
As long as the temperatures stay cool, full sun is the best exposure. As the weather warms, it appreciates partial shade, especially in the afternoon.
A neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. is best, but arugula will grow almost anywhere. Arugula is fast growing, and a soil rich in organic matter will produce lots of leaves
If you've planted your arugula in soil amended with compost, there`s no need for additional fertilizer. If the plants might need extra nutrients (the leaves are yellowing, or the plant just doesn't seem to be growing) give it a foliar feed of compost tea or fish emulsion.
