Arugula

Arugula (arrugula) is a tangy mustard green, also known as Rocket, Mediterranean Salad, Rucola or Roquette in Europe, also as Gharghir by people in the Middle East. Arugula is now popular as a gourmet salad green.

VARIETIES

Arugula, Rocket, Roquette. All are quick to mature (approximately 40-50 days).

SOIL

Arugula may be grown on a wide range of soil types. Loose fertile loams, and muck soils are best. Soils should provide good water holding capacity and good internal drainage, and a pH of 6.0-7.0. Since arugula may be harvested late into the fall, soils should be chosen that allow harvest in moderately rainy conditions.

SPACINGS

Rows should be 12-15 inches apart, with plants 6-9 inches apart in the row. Spacing depends on cultivar and crop being grown. Close spacing cover the ground quickly and reduce risk of soil contamination of the product from rain or irrigation splashing.

FERTILIZER

Nitrogen: 100-125 lb N/acre - split applications not necessary due to quickness of this crop.
Phosphorus: 100-150 (P2O5) lb/acre - apply all at time of seeding or transplanting preferably banded 2 inches to the side and 2 inches below the seed or plant roots.
Potassium: 50-150 (K2O) lb/acre - broadcast before planting.
Sulfur: 20-30 (S) lb/acre - broadcast before planting.

These recommendations are intended to provide adequate fertilizer. For western Oregon soils, N rates especially may need to be adjusted depending on crop planting date, weather conditions and soil type.

IRRIGATION

Arugula requires a uniform supply of water for tender growth. Frequent irrigations are preferred because of shallow rooting. A total of 8-12 inches of water may be necessary depending on seasonal variation, variety and planting date.

Soil type does not affect the amount of total water needed, but does dictate frequency of water application. Lighter soils need more frequent water applications, but less water applied per application.

HARVESTING, HANDLING, AND STORAGE

The crop is generally ready to harvest 6-7 weeks after seeding in the field. Yields are approximately 800-1000 cartons per acre.

Harvest is done by hand. The crop is cut, bunched and packed into cartons in the field, much like spinach. Keep the leafy items clean, and free of soil and mud. Ideally, arugula has dark green, somewhat smooth leaves and a spicy taste. A strong taste and toughness develops if harvest is delayed and leaves begin to develop a furry underside. Continuous cutting of the young leaves stimulates further leaf production. If the crop becomes over-mature, the product becomes unmarketable.

Leafy items are extremely perishable and need to be handled delicately, and marketed rapidly. Cool the product quickly. 

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