Astro Arugula seeds
Astro Arugula, a favored arugula variety renowned for its bold and spicy flavor, presents a standard yet exceptional addition to your garden. Its elongated green leaves characterize this fast-growing arugula, showcasing resilience to cold temperatures. For optimal taste and tenderness, harvest Astro Arugula at the baby size stage.
Elevate your salads and meals with a burst of flavor by incorporating this arugula type. Known for its early maturation and heat tolerance, Astro Arugula is a reliable choice for those seeking a peppery kick in their culinary creations. Additionally, delight in the edible flowers it produces – white blooms with dark-pink veins, adding a spicy and nutty essence to salads or vegetable stir-fries. Explore the culinary versatility of Astro Arugula, a popular and vibrant choice for enhancing your garden and culinary experiences alike.
Seed count: Approx. 200
Botanic name:
Eruca sativa
Plant spacing:
1"-2" apart
2"-3" for rows
Color:
Bright green leaves
Sowing depth:
1/8" deep
Sun requirements:
Full sun / part shade
Utilization:
Astro Arugula, with its peppery and slightly nutty flavor, adds a delightful kick to various culinary creations. To best utilize Astro Arugula, consider incorporating it into salads, sandwiches, or wraps for an extra burst of flavor and a nutritional boost. Its tender leaves make it an excellent addition to fresh spring mixes or as a vibrant garnish for pizzas and savory tarts. Alternatively, toss Astro Arugula into pasta dishes just before serving to elevate the overall taste profile. For a quick and refreshing side, combine it with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Get creative in the kitchen, experimenting with Astro Arugula in different dishes to fully savor its unique and robust taste.
Frost hardy:
Yes
Maturity days:
30-40 days
Life cycle:
Biennial
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Yes
Other names:
N/A
Growing Instructions:
Growing Arugula from Seed
Timing:
Spring Planting: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost or direct sow outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring (soil temperature at least 40°F).
Fall Planting: Direct sow in late summer/early fall for a fall/winter harvest, about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost.
Location:
Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.
Arugula prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Planting:
Direct Sowing:
Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds.
Sow seeds thinly about ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. You can also broadcast seeds for a denser planting.
Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently.
Starting Indoors:
Use seed starting mix and fill containers or trays.
Moisten the mix and sow seeds thinly on the surface.
Cover lightly with mix and keep moist.
Place in a warm, sunny location.
Thin seedlings to the strongest one per cell or pot when they have a few true leaves.
Germination and Thinning:
Seeds germinate in about 5-10 days.
Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart to allow for adequate growth. You can eat the thinned seedlings!
Care after Transplanting
Timing:
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 3-4 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few days before transplanting.
Transplanting:
Choose a cloudy day or transplant in the late afternoon to reduce stress.
Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball and space plants 4-6 inches apart.
Carefully remove seedlings from containers, being mindful of the roots.
Place seedlings in the holes and gently fill with soil, firming around the base.
Water thoroughly.
Ongoing Care:
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilizing: Arugula is a light feeder. You can side-dress with compost or use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once or twice during the growing season.
Weeding: Keep the area around your arugula weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Pests and Diseases: Arugula is generally pest and disease resistant. However, watch for flea beetles and aphids. You can handpick pests or use organic pest control methods if necessary.
Harvesting:
Begin harvesting when leaves are about 2-3 inches long.
You can harvest individual leaves or cut the entire plant about an inch above the soil line.
Arugula will regrow for multiple harvests.
Harvest regularly to prevent the plants from bolting (flowering) and becoming bitter.
Additional Tips
Arugula prefers cooler temperatures. If you live in a warm climate, consider providing afternoon shade or growing arugula in the fall or winter.
You can succession plant arugula every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Arugula is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. You can also enjoy it cooked or wilted.
