Arugula – ‘Slow Bolt’

Growing Temp 45°F – 75°F
Days to Maturity 30-40 days

Ease of Cultivation and flavor: The ‘Slow Bolt’ arugula variety is a fast-growing, cool-season leafy green, known for its peppery flavor. It is relatively easy to grow, especially in cooler temperatures, as it is slow to bolt, meaning it takes longer to go to seed. Arugula can be enjoyed raw in salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish, and its spicy flavor adds a punch to various cooked dishes as well.

Direct Sowing: To direct sow arugula, plant seeds outdoors as soon as the soil temperature is above 45°F. Sow the seeds ¼ inch deep in rows, spacing the seeds 1 inch apart. The plants will start to germinate within 5-7 days. Once seedlings appear, thin them to 6 inches apart to give them enough space to grow. Arugula prefers consistent moisture and benefits from mulch to retain soil humidity and keep weeds at bay. The leaves are usually ready for harvest in just 30-40 days after planting, depending on the weather conditions and how large you want the leaves to grow.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: For an early start, arugula seeds can be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. Sow the seeds in small containers or trays, about ¼ inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the temperature between 60°F – 70°F and place the trays in a sunny area. Once seedlings have grown 2-3 sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, harden them off for about a week, then transplant them outdoors. Space the seedlings about 6 inches apart to ensure ample room for growth.

Harvesting: To know when arugula is ready to harvest, look for leaves that are about 3-4 inches long and firm. The best time to harvest is when the leaves are young and tender, as they can become more bitter and tough as they grow larger. Simply snip the outer leaves, allowing the plant to continue growing from the center for multiple harvests. If left to grow too long, arugula will start to bolt, sending up tall flower stalks, and the flavor will become overly sharp.