Arugula

Arugula Care

Eruca vesicaria

What is the plant

Arugula is an annual, small, fast-growing plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family and is popular for its edible leaves, which have a slightly spicy taste. Although the plant originates from the Mediterranean, today, it is common in most countries of the world, where it is used to prepare many dishes, including salads and soups.

Eruca vesicaria is easily identified by its oblong, dark green-toothed leaves that grow on slender stems that can grow up to 23 in (60 cm) tall. The flowers bloom in summer, are yellow-white with purple lines, and are up to 4 cm (1.6 inches) in size. The fruits are small pods up to 1.2 in (3 cm) long, with a somewhat flattened shape and edible seeds arranged in several rows, which are also used in cooking.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

13°C - 21°C

Hardiness zone

9a - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Eruca vesicaria needs watering once every few days after the top layer of soil has become dry. Use a hygrometer to check the humidity level.
Pruning
Carefully remove diseased stems and wilted leaves, as this will help reduce the size of the plant and prevent various diseases.
Fertilizer
At the beginning of growth, the plant receives nutrients from the soil, and after a while, you can apply a special fertilizer for vegetables, following the instructions on the package.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
The plant needs full sun, so plant it in well-lit areas without shade.
Soil
A well-drained soil with a high content of organic matter is best.
Temperature
Although Arugula can tolerate temperatures down to 30˚F (-1°C), its best temperature is 59-86˚F (15-30°C).

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Container
Use any container that is at least 6 inches (15 cm) deep and has plenty of drainage holes.
Fun fact
The name "Eruca" comes from Latin and previously belonged to another plant from this family, but it is unknown which one.
Additional
In early spring, select healthy seeds and plant in well-drained, slightly moist soil, and the first results will appear in a short period of time.