Eruca vesicaria aka Arugula

Taxonomy

Genus Eruca Family Brassicaceae Order Brassicales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Arugula, also known as rocket, is an edible annual plant in the family Brassicaceae. With its fresh, tart, bitter, and peppery flavor, it is widely used as a leaf vegetable. This plant, scientifically named Eruca vesicaria, is native to the Mediterranean region. It can grow between 20 and 100cm tall, depending on the conditions, and bears green, frondy leaves and off-white or cream flowers veined with dark red. All parts of the plant, including the oblong, dark green-toothed leaves, slender stems, yellow-white flowers, and small pods with edible seeds, are edible and contribute to its distinct peppery taste. Arugula is popular worldwide and is utilized in various dishes, such as salads and soups, adding a touch of spiciness. It is also known by different names like garden rocket, ruchetta, rucola, rugula, colewort, and roquette. However, it is sometimes confused with Diplotaxis tenuifolia, another plant in the Brassicaceae family, known as perennial wall rocket, which is also used in a similar manner.

Common names

Arugula, Edible Rocket, Garden Rocket

How to care for Arugula

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Arugula, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Arugula should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Arugula loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Arugula requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Arugula will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Arugula plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

The Arugula displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

More info:
Wikipedia