Crop profile

Arugula crop profile

A hardy, lively leafy crop, ideal for repeated sowings and frequent cuts when a quick harvest is needed.

Italiano

Starting method

Direct sowing

Direct soil

4 °C

Transplant soil

not available

Night minimum

0 °C

Frost buffer

-20 days

Heat stop

27 °C

Harvest

25–45 days

Indoor lead

not available

Key temperatures

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40 °C

Below 4 °CCold risk: slower growth or cold damage.
4 °CMinimum threshold to start direct sowing: 4 °C.
4–22 °CBest range for growth and production.
22–27 °CPerformance drops and plants move into stress.
Above 27 °CPause transplants: heat stress risk.

Arugula cycle

1. Start
Method:
direct sowing
2. Direct sowing
Soil: at least 4 °C
Night minimum: at least 0 °C
3. Growth
Ideal temperatures 4–22 °C
Avoid peaks above 27 °C
4. Harvest
First harvest around:
25–45 days after sowing

How to start

Recommended method: direct sowing.
Prepare the bed when soil and nights are stable.
Sow when soil has reached at least 4 °C and nights stay above 0 °C.

Temperatures to respect

Direct-sowing soil: minimum 4 °C.
Night minimum: minimum 0 °C.
Heat stop: 27 °C.
Suggested frost buffer: -20 days.

Harvest timing

Cycle to first harvest: about 25–45 days.
Harvest gradually as produce reaches maturity.

Seasonal notes

Protect young plants from late frosts and thermal swings.
In summer, avoid water stress and heat peaks above 27 °C.
Steady growth improves development and harvest quality.

FAQ and sources

When should you sow arugula in the garden?

Sow arugula directly. It starts even in cool soil, from about 4 °C, with nights close to 0 °C. This makes it suitable for spring and autumn, with good tolerance of light cold. In summer it grows, but becomes hotter and bolts quickly when temperatures pass about 27 °C. For continuous leaves, sow short rows every 2-3 weeks. It does not need transplanting: it germinates fast and fits easily between slower crops.

How many days does arugula take to harvest?

Arugula is ready in about 25-45 days. You can pick baby leaves even earlier, when they are tender and milder. Cut the outer leaves or cut the plant while leaving a few centimetres of base, so it can regrow. Harvest often: arugula left too long becomes fibrous, very pungent, and tends to flower. For fresh salads, the best time is morning, when leaves are firmest.

Why does arugula become too spicy?

Arugula becomes more pungent with heat, drought, and late harvesting. Strong flavour is not a defect, but it often means the plant is growing under stress. Keep the soil moist, sow in partial shade during warm periods, and harvest young leaves. Above 27 °C it is better to reduce sowing or move it to cooler spots. In autumn and spring, flavour is usually more balanced and leaves stay tender longer.

How do you protect arugula from holes in the leaves?

Small holes in arugula are often caused by flea beetles, jumping insects that attack many brassicas. The most effective protection is insect netting placed immediately after sowing, before the problem appears. Keep soil moist: stressed plants suffer more damage and regrow worse. Avoid growing arugula again and again where cabbages, radishes, or other brassicas were grown. Holed leaves are still edible, but market quality drops.

Can arugula be sown in autumn?

Yes. Autumn is one of the best times for arugula. Mild temperatures slow bolting and keep the flavour finer. Sow in low rows or containers, covering seeds lightly. In cold areas, use a tunnel or fleece to extend harvest. With low light, growth slows, so sow early enough. Pick little and often, without stripping plants completely, to get several cuts from the same bed.