How to Grow Arugula in Washington

Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a leafy green vegetable that belongs to the mustard family. Known for its peppery flavor, arugula is a popular addition to salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. Growing arugula in Washington can be an incredibly rewarding experience due to the state’s varied climate and fertile soil. In this article, we’ll explore how to successfully grow arugula in Washington, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your crop.

Understanding Arugula

Arugula (Eruca sativa) is a cool-season crop that thrives in spring and fall, making it an ideal choice for Washington’s temperate climate. It grows quickly and can be harvested within 30 to 45 days after sowing. This fast-growing nature makes arugula perfect for both beginner gardeners and seasoned horticulturists looking to expand their leafy green repertoire.

Benefits of Growing Arugula

Before diving into the specifics of growing arugula, it’s worth noting some of the benefits associated with this versatile vegetable:

• Nutritional Profile: Arugula is low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, and K. It also provides essential minerals like calcium and potassium.
• Culinary Uses: Its peppery flavor pairs well with many dishes, enhancing salads, pastas, and sandwiches.
• Fast Growth: With a short growing cycle, arugula allows for multiple harvests in one season.
• Pest Resistance: Arugula is relatively resistant to pests compared to other leafy greens.

Choosing the Right Variety

When growing arugula in Washington, selecting the proper variety is crucial. There are several types of arugula available:

• Wild Arugula (Diplotaxis tenuifolia): This variety has a more robust flavor and is often considered more flavorful than standard arugula.
• Garden Arugula (Eruca sativa): The most common type found in grocery stores, it’s milder than wild arugula but still offers that signature peppery taste.

Best Varieties for Washington

For Washington gardeners, especially those in cooler areas or higher elevations, consider varieties like ‘Astro’ or ‘Rocket.’ These varieties perform well under varying weather conditions and will provide a continuous harvest over an extended season.

Preparing Your Garden

Location

Arugula prefers a location with full sun to partial shade. When planning your garden layout, look for a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. In warmer summer months, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent bolting (the process where the plant flowers and goes to seed).

Soil Requirements

Arugula thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare your soil:

1. Testing Soil pH: Ideal pH levels for arugula are between 6.0 and 7.0. You can use a home soil testing kit to check pH levels.
2. Amending Soil: If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, amend it with lime or sulfur as needed. Additionally, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility.
3. Tilling: Loosen the soil by tilling or turning it over to about 12 inches deep. This will improve drainage and root penetration.

Planting Arugula

When to Sow

Arugula is typically planted two weeks before the last frost date in spring or late summer for a fall crop. In Washington:

• Spring Planting: Late March to early April is optimal.
• Fall Planting: Late July to early August allows for a late-season harvest.

Sowing Seeds

1. Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
2. Spacing: Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 inches apart.
3. Watering: Gently water the area after planting but avoid over-saturating the soil.

Thinning Seedlings

Once seedlings emerge and develop their first true leaves (around two weeks after germination), thin them out. Aim for plants spaced about 4 inches apart; this will allow enough room for mature growth while promoting air circulation.

Caring for Your Arugula

Watering

Consistent moisture is vital for healthy arugula growth. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil; aim for about 1 inch of water per week through rain or irrigation.

Fertilizing

While arugula doesn’t require extensive fertilization, you can apply a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 NPK) at half strength every few weeks during growth. This helps ensure vigorous foliage development without promoting too much leaf growth at the expense of flavor.

Pest Management

Arugula can attract pests such as aphids and flea beetles. To manage these pests:

• Row Covers: Use lightweight row covers during early growth stages.
• Natural Predators: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs that feed on aphids.
• Handpicking: Regularly inspect plants and handpick any visible insects.

Harvesting Arugula

Arugula can be harvested as baby greens or allowed to mature fully.

Baby Greens Harvesting

If you prefer baby arugula:

1. Wait until leaves are around 3–4 inches tall.
2. Harvest by cutting leaves just above the soil line with scissors.
3. Leave some leaves on the plant to allow for regrowth.

Mature Greens Harvesting

For mature arugula:

1. Allow plants to reach about 6–8 inches tall.
2. Cut leaves from the outer part of the plant first while leaving the center intact for continuous growth.
3. Harvest before flowers appear as they can impact the taste negatively.

Dealing with Bolting

As temperatures rise in late spring or early summer, there’s a risk that your arugula may bolt—producing flowers and seeds instead of edible leaves. If you notice flower stalks forming:

• Harvest immediately as bolting can alter the flavor.
• If you’re planning on replanting later, save some seeds from your bolted plants for future seasons.

Conclusion

Growing arugula in Washington is not only feasible but can also be immensely satisfying given its rapid growth cycle and versatility in cooking. By understanding its requirements—such as optimal planting times, soil conditions, pest management strategies, and harvesting techniques—you can successfully cultivate this delicious leafy green in your garden.

Whether you’re using it fresh in salads or cooked in various dishes, homegrown arugula will add flavor and nutrition to your meals while giving you pride in having nurtured it from seed to table! Happy gardening!