Arugula Seeds – Eruca vesicaria
Eruca vesicaria • Brassicaceae • Native to Mediterranean region
Arugula Seeds grow into fast-growing leafy greens with tender leaves and a naturally peppery flavor. A favorite for cool-season gardens, containers, raised beds, salads, sandwiches, and fresh kitchen harvests.
Plant Name: Arugula Seeds
Quantity: 100
Selected: Arugula Seeds / 100
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Arugula bolts quickly once temperatures climb above 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit), turning the leaves tough and intensely bitter, so time your sowings carefully around the cool seasons in your region.
Botanical profile
Meet the Arugula – Eruca vesicaria
Step-by-step planting
Arugula is a straightforward seed to work with, but getting conditions right from the start will give you the most reliable results throughout the season.
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1
Choose Your Timing
Sow arugula seeds in early spring about 4 weeks before your last frost date, or in late summer to early fall when temperatures begin dropping, since this plant performs as a cool season vegetable and genuinely dislikes heat.
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2
Prepare the Soil
Work the soil to about 15 cm (6 inches) deep, breaking up any clumps, and incorporate compost if available since arugula grows quickly and benefits from loose, moderately fertile soil with good drainage.
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3
Sow the Seeds
Scatter arugula seeds thinly in rows or broadcast over a bed, then press them lightly into the soil surface and cover with no more than 5 mm (a quarter inch) of fine soil, as they need light and warmth to sprout reliably.
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4
Water Carefully
After sowing, water gently to avoid displacing the shallow seeds, then keep the soil surface consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the arugula germination period and into early growth.
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5
Thin the Seedlings
Once seedlings reach about 3 to 5 cm tall, thin them to roughly 10 to 15 cm apart so each plant has room to develop a full rosette of leaves without competition.
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6
Ongoing Care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and if growing through late spring watch for signs of bolting so you can harvest promptly before the plant shifts its energy away from leaf production.
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Harvesting
Arugula days to harvest typically fall between 21 and 40 days depending on your climate and whether you are cutting young baby leaves or waiting for larger, more pungent mature foliage, and the cut-and-come-again method of snipping outer leaves extends your harvest window considerably.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Arugula Seeds – Eruca vesicaria
How long does arugula take to germinate?
Arugula germination time varies depending on soil temperature, moisture levels, and local climate conditions. In warm soil around 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit) with consistent moisture, seedlings often emerge within 5 to 7 days. In cooler soils germination can take closer to 10 to 14 days, so patience and consistent watering matter more than any single factor.
When should I plant arugula seeds?
Arugula is a cool season vegetable that performs well in spring and fall, and in mild climates it can even be grown through winter. In spring, sow seeds as soon as the soil can be worked, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. For a fall crop, count back about 6 to 8 weeks from your first expected frost date and sow then, giving the plants time to mature before hard freezes arrive.
Can arugula grow in containers?
Arugula container gardening works very well since the plant has a shallow root system and does not need a lot of depth. A pot or trough at least 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) deep with good drainage holes is sufficient for a productive cut-and-come-again planting. Use a quality potting mix, place the container in a spot with 4 to 6 hours of sun, and water more frequently than you would in-ground since containers dry out faster.
Why is my arugula bitter?
Some bitterness is natural and desirable in arugula, but an intense, unpleasant sharpness usually signals heat stress or that the plant has bolted and begun flowering. When temperatures rise, the plant redirects energy toward reproduction, and the leaves become much more pungent and tough. Harvesting young leaves regularly, keeping plants cool with partial shade in warm weather, and timing sowings for cooler periods are the most practical ways to manage flavor.
Is arugula safe for pets?
Arugula is generally considered non-toxic to dogs and cats and is not listed as a harmful plant by major veterinary organizations. That said, feeding large quantities of any brassica family green to pets is not advisable since it can cause digestive upset in some animals. If you have concerns about a specific pet's diet or health, a conversation with your veterinarian is always a worthwhile step.
How deep should I plant arugula seeds?
Arugula seeds should be planted very shallowly, no more than 5 mm (about a quarter inch) below the soil surface. They are small seeds that rely on warmth and some light to trigger germination, so burying them too deeply can reduce sprouting. A light press into a prepared seedbed and a thin dusting of fine soil or vermiculite over the top is all that is needed.
How often should I water arugula?
Arugula appreciates consistent moisture, especially in the early stages after sowing and again during the main growing period. In average conditions, watering every 2 to 3 days is a reasonable starting point, but the right frequency depends on your soil type, climate, and whether plants are in the ground or in containers. Rather than following a rigid schedule, check the top 2 cm of soil and water when it feels dry to the touch.