If you are a fan of flavorful and nutritious salad greens, then arugula is definitely worth growing in your garden or on your balcony.
Arugula is a leafy green that has a nutty and slightly spicy flavor, which is perfect for making delicious salads. But in order to enjoy the many benefits of this salad green, you need to know how to harvest arugula properly.
What is Arugula?
Arugula is a type of salad green that is often used as a spice or herb in Italian cuisine. Arugula is also known as rocket, roquette, or rugula.
Arugula is an annual plant that grows up to 2 feet tall with deep green leaves that have a jagged or lobed appearance.
Types of Arugula Plants
There are many different types of arugula plants, including wild arugula, early arugula, slow bolt arugula, and standard arugula.
Wild arugula has a more pungent flavor and grows rampantly, while slow bolt arugula grows well in cooler weather and resists bolting.
When to Plant Arugula
Arugula grows best in the spring or fall when the weather is cool. You can plant arugula from seed every two to three weeks to ensure a continual harvest.
Arugula prefers to be grown in full sun and well-drained soil.
How to Grow Arugula
Arugula is an easy plant to grow and is perfect for beginners. Simply plant the seeds in well-drained soil about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and keep the soil moist.
Once the arugula starts to grow, thin the plants to about 4 inches apart. This will allow the plant to grow well and produce lots of leaves.
When to Harvest Arugula?
Arugula is a fast-growing plant that is easy to harvest. You can pick arugula leaves as soon as they are big enough to eat.
Alternatively, you can wait until the plant has grown to its full size and harvest the entire plant.
Harvesting Arugula Leaves
When harvesting arugula leaves, it is best to pick only the outer leaves of the plant. This allows the plant to continue to grow and produce new leaves.
To harvest the leaves, simply pinch the stem of the leaf and pull it off the plant. You can continue to harvest the leaves as they grow for a continual harvest.
Harvesting Whole Arugula Plants
If you want to harvest the entire plant, wait until the plant has reached its full size and the leaves are large and healthy. To harvest the entire plant, use a sharp knife to cut it off at the base.
Types of Arugula Leaves to Harvest
Arugula has a shallow root system, which means that it is important to harvest the right type of leaves to avoid killing the plant.
When harvesting arugula leaves, it is best to pick only the young leaves at the center of the plant. These leaves are the freshest and have the most flavor.
Avoid harvesting the older leaves on the outside of the plant, as they are tougher and less flavorful.
How to Harvest Arugula without Killing the Plant?
If you want to harvest arugula without killing the plant, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Avoid harvesting the entire plant at once.
- Pick only the young leaves at the center of the plant.
- Harvest the arugula when it is cool and dry to help preserve its flavor.
Harvesting Young Arugula Leaves
The key to harvesting young arugula leaves is to pick them when they are still small and tender.
Pick the outermost leaves first, leaving the younger leaves in the center of the plant to continue growing. This will help ensure a continual harvest and keep the plant healthy.
Harvesting Arugula Flowers
Arugula flowers are also edible and can be used to add flavor and color to salads.
The best time to harvest arugula flowers is when they are just beginning to open. Simply pluck the flowers off the plant and use them to garnish your salad.
Harvesting Arugula Seed
If you want to harvest arugula seed, wait until the plant has started to flower and the flowers have turned into seed pods.
Harvest the seed pods by cutting them off the plant and allowing them to dry out completely. Once the pods are dry, you can open them up and remove the seeds.
Storing Arugula after Harvesting
Once you have harvested your arugula, it is important to store it properly to help preserve its freshness and flavor. There are a few different ways to store arugula after harvesting.
Storing Arugula in Refrigerator
The best way to store arugula is in the refrigerator. To do this, wash the leaves thoroughly and wrap them in a paper towel. Place the wrapped arugula in a plastic bag and store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
Storing Arugula in a Perforated Plastic Bag
Another way to store arugula is in a perforated plastic bag. This will help prevent the arugula from wilting.
Simply wash the leaves, pat them dry, and place them in a perforated plastic bag. Store the bag in the refrigerator.
Storing Arugula in a Crisper Drawer
You can also store arugula in a crisper drawer in your refrigerator. Simply wash the leaves and place them in a plastic bag. Poke a few holes in the bag and store it in the crisper drawer.
Tips for Growing Arugula
If you want to grow your own arugula, there are a few tips you should keep in mind.
Growing Arugula in Full Sun
Arugula grows best in full sun, so make sure to plant it in a sunny spot in your garden or on your balcony.
Keeping Arugula Moist
Arugula likes to be kept moist, so make sure to water it regularly. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases and root rot.
Preventing Arugula from Bolting
To prevent arugula from bolting, make sure to plant it in cool weather and keep the soil moist. You can also plant slow bolt varieties of arugula or plant it in the shade to help prevent bolting.
FAQ
Q: What is arugula plant?
A: Arugula is a leafy green plant that is used as a salad green. It has a slightly bitter and peppery taste, and is often used to add flavor to salads and other dishes.
Q: Is arugula plant easy to grow?
A: Yes, arugula is a relatively easy plant to grow. It is a cool season crop that can be grown in spring or fall, and requires little maintenance.
Q: When is the best time to plant arugula?
A: It’s best to plant arugula in the cooler months of spring or fall. Arugula grows best in temperatures between 45-65°F.
Q: How do I plant and grow arugula?
A: Start by planting arugula seeds in well-drained soil, about ¼ inch deep and 2 inches apart. Water regularly and keep the soil moist. Arugula will germinate in about 7-10 days and mature in 35-60 days.
Q: Can I harvest arugula seeds?
A: Yes, you can harvest arugula seeds. Wait until the plant has bolted or gone to seed, and then allow the seed pods to dry on the plant. Once dry, collect the seed pods and extract the seeds. Store in a cool, dry place.
Q: How do I harvest arugula leaves?
A: There are several ways to harvest arugula leaves. You can pick individual leaves as needed, or you can cut the whole plant at once. For baby arugula leaves, harvest when the leaves are 2-3 inches long. For mature arugula, harvest when the leaves are 4-6 inches long.
Q: How do I keep my arugula plants producing more leaves?
A: To keep your arugula plants producing more leaves, harvest regularly. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from going to seed. You can also fertilize the plant with nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Q: Can I harvest arugula during the growing season?
A: Yes, you can harvest arugula throughout the growing season. However, be aware that if you harvest too much at once, the plant may go to seed and stop producing leaves.
Q: How do I harvest and store arugula?
A: To harvest arugula, simply pick the leaves or cut the whole plant. To store, place the leaves in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure the leaves are dry before storing.
Q: What are some ways to harvest arugula?
A: There are a few different ways to harvest arugula. You can pick individual leaves as needed, cut the whole plant at once, or harvest the outer leaves as they mature. Experiment to see which method works best for you.
Conclusion
Arugula is a delicious and easy-to-grow salad green that is perfect for the home gardener. By following these tips on how to harvest arugula without killing the plant, you can enjoy a continual harvest of fresh arugula all season long.
