Arugula

Basic Information

Seed Number

214

Seed Name

Arugula

Variety

Slow Bolt

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Brassicaceae

Plant Type

Garden arugula / rocket (Eruca vesicaria)

Planting Method

Direct Sow

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 15

Last Recommended Planting Date

Sep 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June, August, September

Indoor Start

Not recorded

Direct Sow

Mar 15 – Sep 15

Transplant

Not Recommended

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not Recommended

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not Recommended

Germination Days

5–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

30–45 days to leaf harvest

Succession Planting

14 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

40-70°F

Planting Depth

1/4 in

Plant Spacing

2-6 in

Row Spacing

12-18 in

Thin-To Spacing

4-6 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Keep consistently moist for tender, mild leaves

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil

Minimum Container Size

6-8 in deep

Plant Height

Not recorded

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

True Leaf Market; Cornell; MSU Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow preferred; can also be started in cells for transplanting
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Mar 20 – May 20; Aug 1 – Sep 10
Germination Time: About 5–7 days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: About 40–45 days; baby leaves sooner
Container Friendly: Yes, 6+ in deep
Pollinator Friendly: Low when harvested; flowers attract small pollinators if allowed to bolt
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary leafy green
Perennial?: No; annual
Succession / Reusable Notes: Sow every 1–2 weeks in cool weather for continuous harvest.
Zone 6B Notes: Best in spring and late summer/fall; partial afternoon shade can help stretch the spring season.
Companion Plants: Lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, onions and carrots
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Heat encourages bolting and stronger/bitter flavor even in slow-bolt types. Flea beetles may damage leaves.
Sources: True Leaf Market: https://trueleafmarket.com/products/arugula-slow-bolt-seeds | Cornell: https://gardening.cals.cornell.edu/garden-guidance/foodgarden/vegetable-growing-guides/arugula/ | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Grow primarily in spring and fall. Slow Bolt remains vegetative longer than standard arugula but will still bolt during sustained heat and long days.
Germination: Direct sow in cool soil and keep evenly moist.
Harvest: Harvest baby leaves young for mild flavor or allow plants to grow larger for a stronger peppery flavor.
Seed Saving: Allow flowering stalks and seed pods to mature and dry before collecting seed.
Special Care: Partial afternoon shade and consistent moisture can delay bolting as temperatures rise.
Research Source: Epic Gardening — https://shop.epicgardening.com/products/arugula-slow-bolt-org — Slow Bolt identity and Eruca vesicaria species
Research Source: True Leaf Market — https://trueleafmarket.com/products/arugula-slow-bolt-seeds — slow-bolting characteristic and culinary leaf use
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]