SoCal Home Gardening

Arugula

Peppery salad green, grows quickly in cool weather.

Information on Growing Arugula

Arugula, also known as rocket or rucola, is a leafy green vegetable that is part of the mustard family. It has a distinctive peppery flavor and is a popular ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and pesto. Growing arugula in your home garden is relatively easy, and here are the steps to help you be successful:

1. Choosing the right variety: Arugula comes in different varieties, such as wild, common, or cultivated types. Select a variety that suits your taste preference. Some popular cultivars include Astro, Roquette, and Sylvetta.

2. Soil preparation: Arugula prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and loosen it to a depth of about 8-10 inches. Incorporate some organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve fertility and moisture retention.

3. Planting time: Arugula is a cool-season crop that thrives in mild temperatures. It can tolerate light frosts, making it an excellent choice for early spring or late fall planting. Start sowing seeds in early spring when the soil temperature reaches around 40�F (4�C). For a continuous harvest, plant a new batch of seeds every two weeks until late spring.

4. Sowing seeds: Arugula can be directly sown in the garden bed or started indoors for transplanting. If sowing directly, simply scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared soil and lightly press them into the surface. Aim to space the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Once they germinate, thin the seedlings to maintain a spacing of 4-6 inches between plants.

5. Sun exposure: Arugula prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade as well. Ensure your garden receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and flavor development.

6. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Arugula has shallow roots, so regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Provide water at the soil level to avoid wetting the leaves, which could lead to disease development.

7. Fertilizing: Arugula generally doesn't require heavy fertilization if you've prepared the soil with organic matter. However, if your soil lacks fertility, you can side-dress with a balanced organic fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

8. Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants can help suppress weed growth, conserve moisture, and keep the soil temperature cooler in hot weather.

9. Managing pests and diseases: Arugula is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, watch out for common pests like flea beetles and slugs, which may cause minor damage. Use organic pest control methods, such as floating row covers or diatomaceous earth, to deter or eliminate these pests.

10. Harvesting: Arugula reaches maturity within 30-40 days after sowing. Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender, around 2-3 inches in length. You can either harvest individual leaves or cut the entire plant about an inch above the soil level. Regular harvesting promotes continuous growth and prevents the plant from bolting (flowering prematurely).

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful arugula harvest, providing you with fresh, flavorful greens for your salads and culinary creations. Enjoy your gardening journey!

Arugula Varieties

See All Arugula Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.