Herb – Arugula Roquette

Description

Arugula Roquette

50 Seeds per pack

Annual Herb

Days to Maturity: 20–28 days for baby greens, 50–55 days for full-size leaves

Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Botanical name: (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa)

A classic European favorite, Arugula Roquette is an open-pollinated variety prized for its bold flavor and quick grow time. Young greens can be harvested in just 20–28 days when they reach 2–4″ long, while full-size leaves mature in about 55 days. Plants grow 12–18″ tall, with flowering stalks occasionally reaching 24″. The deeply lobed, green leaves resemble oak leaves and measure 2–6″ long. Delicate creamy-yellow flowers bloom at maturity, attracting pollinators and offering an edible garnish for salads.

The flavor is zesty and complex—peppery, mustardy, and slightly tart. Baby leaves are tender and ideal for salads, wraps, and sandwiches, while mature greens hold up well in sautés, pestos, and sauces. Both the foliage and flowers pair well with tomato-based dishes, fish, and even pizza.

Cold hardy and fast-growing, Arugula Roquette thrives in early spring and fall gardens, tolerating light frost with ease. Compact and quick to mature, it’s an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a steady supply of flavorful greens.

Planting Instructions for Arugula – Roquette Seeds

When to Plant:
Sow Arugula Roquette 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, Roquette 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. Roquette 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 Arugula Roquette 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 20–28 days. For cut-and-come-again harvests, snip outer leaves with scissors while leaving the center intact. Roquette matures fully in about 50–55 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 Roquette 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, Roquette 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 Roquette 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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