Herb – Arugala – Astro

Description

Arugula – Astro – Astro Arugula

50 Seeds per pack

Annual Herb

Days to Maturity: 21 days for baby greens, 38–52 days for full-size leaves

Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Botanical name: (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa)

An improved version of Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa, ‘Astro’ Arugula quickly gained popularity for its extended harvest window and consistent yields. Known for its broader, less-lobed leaves and slower bolt nature, it has become a favorite in herb gardens.

A cool-season crop well-suited to early spring and fall planting, ‘Astro’ benefits from part shade in warmer regions to extend the harvest window. Plants grow to 10–15″ tall at flowering, with baby leaves ready for harvest in just 21 days. When allowed to mature, the leaves reach over 6″ in 38–52 days. Bright green and tender, the leaves start with a mild, nutty flavor and develop a bold, peppery bite as they age.

Excellent fresh in salads, wraps, and Mesclun mixes, or cooked into pestos, pizzas, and pasta, ‘Astro’ is a truly versatile herb in the kitchen.

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and antioxidants, it’s a flavorful and healthful addition to the cool-weather garden!

Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to foliar diseases when airflow is maintained.

Planting Instructions for Arugula – Astro Seeds

When to Plant:
Sow arugula seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Plant again in early fall once temperatures begin to cool. In mild zones, arugula may also be grown through the winter. For continuous harvests, sow additional seed every 2–3 weeks through the cool seasons.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Arugula prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It thrives in raised beds, garden rows, or containers. Avoid planting where other Brassicas were recently grown, as diseases or pests may persist.

How to Plant:
Sow seeds directly into prepared soil, ¼″ deep and spaced about 1″ apart in rows 10–12″ apart. Cover seeds lightly—do not bury deeply, as shallow planting promotes quicker germination. Thin seedlings to 4–6″ apart once they reach 1–2″ tall. Expect germination within 5–7 days in cool soil.

Growing Tips:
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during warm weather, to prevent bolting. Fertile soil high in organic matter or light nitrogen supplementation encourages leafy growth. Afternoon shade helps extend harvests in hot climates. Protect young seedlings from flea beetles with row covers if needed.

Harvesting:
Begin harvesting baby greens when leaves are 2–3″ long, usually within 21 days. For cut-and-come-again harvests, snip outer leaves with scissors while leaving the center intact. Arugula matures fully in about 40 days but may be harvested at any stage. Leaves develop a stronger, spicier flavor as they age. Flowers are also edible.

Storage:
After harvesting, gently rinse and dry the arugula leaves, then place them in a container lined with a paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture. Cover loosely and store in the refrigerator. When stored this way, arugula will stay fresh for several days. Be sure to avoid excess moisture and tightly sealed containers, as trapped humidity can lead to spoilage.

Companion Plants:
Good companions include bush beans, spinach, carrots, lettuce, Swiss chard, alliums (onion, garlic, chives), cucumbers, beets, borage, and herbs like dill, basil, and thyme.

Seed Saving:
Allow healthy arugula plants to bolt naturally and produce flowers, which will develop into seed pods. As the pods mature, they will turn brown and become dry and brittle on the plant. Carefully harvest these dry pods by hand, ideally on a dry day, to avoid introducing moisture. Spread the pods out in a well-ventilated, shaded area to finish drying completely. Once dry, gently crack the pods open to collect the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place.

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