Dragons's Fire Arugula seeds

Eruca sativa

• 4"-6" apart
• 12"-18"  for rows

Dark olive green foliage with red veins

1/8" deep

Full sun 

Dragon's Fire Arugula, with its intense and peppery kick, opens up a world of culinary possibilities for the adventurous palate. Add a vibrant twist to your salads by tossing a handful of Dragon's Fire Arugula, letting its bold flavors complement other fresh greens and ingredients. Elevate your sandwiches and wraps by incorporating these fiery leaves for an extra zesty punch. Experiment with Dragon's Fire Arugula as a pizza topping or mix it into pasta dishes to infuse them with a distinct spiciness. The versatility of this arugula variety allows you to explore creative ways to incorporate its bold flavor into various dishes, adding a fiery flair to your culinary repertoire.

Yes

45-55 days

Biennial

Yes

Yes

N/A

 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.