How To Grow Arugula from Seeds

Do you know you can grow your salad greens in your vegetable garden? Arugula is one of the easiest tropical herbs to grow. Also known as roquette, salad rocket, garden rocket, or arugula, it is an annual herb of the mustard family, grown for its delicious edible leaves.

Arugula is native to the Mediterranean and it has grown in popularity in Malaysia for its nutty taste and nutritional content. It is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and K.

These herb seeds in Malaysia can be bought online or from your local store.

Growing Arugula

Things you need:

• A packet of arugula seeds. The easiest way to buy arugula seeds in Malaysia is online. For better results, always read the label carefully.
• Pots or containers.
• Soil. A neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. is best. Arugula is a fast-growing herb, and soil rich in organic matter will produce lots of leaves.
• Water
• Sunlight
• Enough space
   

Planting Arugula Seeds

In Malaysia, you can plant arugula almost all year round. Just make sure you plant it under the shade of an airy tree or shade cloth. Extreme hot temperatures can cause the leaves to become smaller and more peppery.

The time needed: 30mins

In Malaysia, you can plant arugula almost all year round. Just make sure you plant it under the shade of an airy tree or shade cloth. Extreme hot temperatures can cause the leaves to become smaller and more peppery.

Supplies:

• Arugula seeds
• Soil
• Tin/seeding tray

Tools:

• Gardening fork
• Small spade
• Water can

Step 1: Prepare Soil

Fill your pot or container with rich well-drained soil. Don’t forget to flatten it out using your hand.

Step 2: Make Holes

Dig the holes, just make sure they are about 0.60 centimetres deep. Spread the seeds as evenly as possible onto the soil.

Step 3: Planting Seeds

Softly pat the arugula seeds onto the soil. You can use the palm of your hands for this.

Step 4: Cover It Up

Cover the seeds softly with the soil and gently pat them again.

Step 5: Watering

Make sure to add water. It is important to be careful and avoid using water pressure as it may hurt the seeds and send them deep into the soil.

Growing Arugula

For a constant supply of this delicious and versatile herb, it is best to sow once a week or every two weeks.

Arugula seeds grow better when the soil is moist but not wet, especially before seedlings emerge. Keep in mind that it takes between seven and fourteen days for seedlings to emerge.

Once the seeds start to grow and they are about two to four centimetres tall, you need to thin them out. Be careful as arugula leaves are tender when they are growing. Make sure to keep them 2.50 to 7 centimetres apart.

You should know that as arugula is one of the easiest tropical herbs to grow in Malaysia, they will probably grow regardless of whether you thin them or not (although it is best that you do it).

Harvesting Arugula

In about 40 days, your arugula should be grown and ready to harvest. Younger arugula leaves are tender and sweet so start picking them as soon as they are ready. When the seedlings are seven to ten centimetres long, you have two options:

1. Pull out the whole plant or
2. Thin them out

If you want the arugula to continue growing, you can just cut out the leaves. Before eating arugula, you should wash them as dirt can get on the leaves. When growing arugula in your vegetable garden, it is a good idea to grow twice the amount you want to eat so you will always have enough supply to add them to your favourite dishes.

The most important vegetable gardening tips and hacks I can give you is to keep your arugula well-watered. Daily water will keep the arugula from bolting too quickly. Just add the water carefully. Remember to use a rose attachment or a sprayer as we don’t want the water pressure to hurt the seeds or plants.

It is important to know that arugula leaves are spicy and the flowers are sweet. The flowers will only grow after the leaves have grown to full size. If this happens, the leaves will become too bitter to eat, so make sure to harvest your arugula in time.

But if you want flowers, you can eat them or just grow them alone. Last but not least, remember the best way to buy arugula seeds in Malaysia is online as it is easy and convenient.

Happy planting!