How To Grow And Care For A Arugula Plant
If you're looking to add some delicious and healthy greens into your garden, why not try growing arugula? This nutritious leafy green is easy to grow and can be used in a variety of dishes. In this post, we'll go over the plant attributes, plant care, pruning, propagation, potting and repotting, common pests and plant disease, and common problems associated with growing arugula. Plant Attributes Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) is a cool-season annual plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It's also known as salad rocket, garden rocket, or roquette. The plant can grow to a height of about 8-10 inches and has elongated leaves that are dark green and slightly lobed. Arugula produces small white flowers with yellowish-brown veins in mid-spring, which can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plant Care Arugula is a cool-season crop that grows best in temperatures between 50-65°F. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade and prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0-6.5. Arugula needs consistent moisture, so be sure to irrigate the plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Over-fertilization can cause excessive leaf growth and result in bitter-tasting leaves, so use a balanced fertilizer sparingly. Pruning Once arugula has reached a height of about 4-6 inches, you can begin harvesting the outer leaves with a pair of sharp scissors or pruners. This will encourage new leaf growth and prevent the plant from going to seed too quickly. Propagation Arugula can be grown from seed, either directly sown into the garden or started indoors and transplanted outside after the danger of frost has passed. Arugula seeds require light to germinate, so only cover them with a light dusting of soil. Potting & Repotting If you don't have a garden, don't worry - you can also grow arugula in containers! Use a container that's at least 6 inches deep and has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil. Fill the container with potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Sow arugula seeds on top of the soil and cover them with a light layer of potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a sunny location. Common Pests & Plant Disease Arugula is generally a healthy crop, but it can be susceptible to flea beetles, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap. Arugula can also be affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can be prevented by providing adequate air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Common Problems One of the most common problems with arugula is bolting, which is when the plant produces flowers and goes to seed prematurely. This can be caused by high temperatures, over-fertilization, or inconsistent watering. To prevent bolting, make sure to harvest your arugula regularly and keep the soil consistently moist. Hopefully, this guide has helped you learn how to successfully grow arugula in your garden or in a container. With a little bit of care and attention, you can be enjoying fresh and nutritious arugula in no time!
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