Arugula is a Mediterranean herb that has been used for thousands of years. The pungent herb has been described as zesty and slightly peppery. Arugula microgreens is a delicious edible garnish often found in savory dishes. It can be added to salads, added to quiches, used as a pasta garnish, or layered on sandwiches which I absolutely love.
Arugula is easy to grow and is great for novice gardeners. It takes approximately two weeks from planting to harvest.
Arugula microgreens are filled with nutrients vitamin K and calcium which aids in wound healing and bone health. They also contain vitamin C which strengthens immunity and helps with iron absorption. The potassium in arugula microgreens helps balance hydration within the body while folate is needed for the proper development of genetic material. Arugula also contains phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
Arugula Microgreens Profile
Flavor:
Arugula microgreens have a zesty peppery flavor.
Presoak: (yes or no)
No
Color
Small green leaves on pale stems.
Germination Time
Germination occurs in 1 to 2 days.
Harvest Time
Within 6 to 8 days.
Green Thumb Level: (how easy or hard to grow 1 to 5 scale)
1 – Arugula is easy to grow when directions are followed.
Arugula microgreens are fast, easy-growing microgreens. You can enjoy growing these microgreens at home when you follow our easy growing protocols. The fast germination and harvest time mean you can enjoy delicious arugula greens within one week of planting as long as you follow planting instructions and purchase the right microgreen growing kit like those listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Arugula Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?
Like most microgreens, arugula microgreens are difficult to regrow once you have harvested your microgreens. Harvest your microgreens and then compost whatever remains.
How Fast Do Arugula Microgreens Grow?
Arugula microgreens germinate within 1 to 2 days after you have planted your seeds. Typically, arugula microgreens are ready to be harvested within 6 to 8 days.
Equipment Needed to Grow Arugula Microgreens
Growing arugula microgreens is easy when you have the proper materials and equipment for growing microgreens. Many of the items needed can be found almost anywhere. However, you must choose the right growing trays, soil, and organic microgreen seeds.
Starter Kits for Arugula Microgreens
Full starter kits for arugula microgreens are available online like this one:
🌱 ARUGULA MINI-MICROGREENS KIT - Everything you need to grow microgreens indoors in about 10 days.
🌱 EASY & FUN - These mini micro greens kits make a great gift or stocking stuffer.
🌱 EACH KIT INCLUDES - Growing Container, Humidity Lid, Pre-fertilized Soil Puck, Organic Seeds, Mist Sprayer, Detailed Instructions
🌱 CERTIFIED ORGANIC - Grow your own organic microgreens on your kitchen countertop - Certified Organic By OTCO
🌱 MOUNTAIN VALLEY SEED COMPANY BRAND - US based company and seeds backed by personalized customer service.
Specific Equipment for Growing Arugula Microgreens
If you decide to purchase your items separately rather than in starter kits, you will need the following main equipment:
Growing Medium (Soil) – To ensure you get a good harvest, you need to purchase fine-grained soil that drains properly and is not clumped. This type of soil will ensure your microgreen roots grow without intertangling. Seed soil like this one is a great option:
This Organic potting soil will arrive in a box with two bags of Cloud 9 to equal 5 gallons. As pictured. Orders are fulfilled by Amazon
SEEDLING SOIL & HYDROPONIC GROWING: Good Earth Organics Cloud 9 Premium Potting Soil is ready to use with very fast drainage, making it ideal for planting seeds and high-touch plants that are liquid fed. This seed starter soil is great for rapid root development and provides the pleasant aroma of a spring morning garden.
INERT BLEND FOR COMPLETE CONTROL: Cloud 9 potting soil is the best choice for seed starts and for growers who wish to completely control their feeding regimen or blend their own custom soil mix. This premium, organic soil ensures the effective delivery of nutrients for strong root foundations.
ORGANIC & NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Cloud Nine contains only low salt coconut coir, sphagnum peat moss and perlite at a pH of 5.8 to 6.2. The coir and peat moss promotes growth by creating small pockets of oxygen for roots to access and works with the perlite to allow drainage during watering.
CERTIFIED ORGANIC POTTING SOIL - Cloud 9 seed starting soil is best for the first stage of gardening. We recommend using a 4-inch peat pot for seed starts and clones. Once the plant has established roots it is ready to be transplanted into either Gaia's Gift for outdoor planting or Zen Blend for a more versatile growing environment.
Another popular option for microgreens is coconut coir. Here is one we recommend:
🌴 SPONGEASE: The Perfect Potting Soil is made from the pith and fiber of coconut husks. It is washed multiple times too remove any excess natural salts to achieve near neutral PH level and then dried and compressed for easy shipping.
🌴 MADE FROM 100% NATURAL COCONUT HUSK: Natural SpongEase organic potting soil is made from renewable coconut husks, an abundant resource. Compostable and can be used for Soil Amendment.
🌴 GROW ANY PLANT: It has a near neutral PH, so any type of plants can be grown. The Coco Fiber enable absorption of more nutrients applied as recommended for your Crop
🌴 ROOT HEALTH: You'll be amazed at the quantity of soil produced by this convenient tile of coconut coir growing media. It's light, fluffy and will provide vital oxygen to the roots of your plants. The Root easily take hold grow faster
🌴 WATER ABSORPTION & RETAINING: Sponge-like properties of coconut fiber will absorb up to 10 times its weight in water. SpongEase fibers are unique microscopic tubes that fill then allow excess water to pass through.
Growing Trays for Microgreen Seeds – You want to choose trays that are shallow and have drainage holes, which allows you to water your arugula from the bottom. The holes allow the roots to draw the water up into the plant without running the risk of mold or disease. Here are some we recommend:
Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.
Growing Trays for Bottom Watering – You will also need a second tray. This one should not have holes. This tray will cover your seeds and weigh them down to help set the roots. (More on this in the next section. Here are the ones we recommend.
COOL JUST GOT COOLER: 1.5 Liter Bottle. Holds 40 ounces at fill line. Wide mouth bottle allows crushed or full cubed ice for an extra cold blast!
FUN & FUNCTION VARIABLE NOZZLE SETTINGS: High quality brass nozzle adjusts from a cooling mist which causes air temperature to drop 10-30 deg to a strong 20 foot stream for fun water battles or cleaning.
STURDY AND PORTABLE: High quality PET plastic, adjustable brass nozzle, stainless steel pump mechanism, carrying strap with belt/bag clip for on the go portability
MANY USES: Personal Cooling, Pet Cooling, Bird Baths, Horse Fly Spray, Auto/Boat/RV Detailing, Pet Training, Livestock Sprayer, Garden Mister and Weed Sprayer, Campsite cleaning, Water Balloon Filler, and more!
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: CoreGear since 2011, guarantees 100% satisfaction or your money back!
Light Source – Light is needed for your greens’ health. If you are growing your microgreens indoors, you may want to consider a grow light. Grow lights help with uniform growth. There are many different light kits on the market; so you can find one that is within your budget. We especially like this one:
✔ Using high brightness led chip---Super bright led grow light---High PAR value---Great for veg, flower, succulents, verbena plants, etc
✔ Easy Installation plant grow led light kit.---It’s easy for you to finish your setup with the supplied screws or super strong self-adhesive pads or cable ties
✔ Extendable design. Could connect up to 6 tube lights together with seamless connectors or connector cords. 3 power cords included, the lights can be installed in any position you want
✔ Independent control---Each light has its own power switch on the light itself, you can easily control each light independently
✔ What you get---6 x T5 led grow light, 3 x Power Cords(59''), 6 x Installation Accessories(screws and clips), 18 x pads, 18 x cable ties, 5x Connecting Cords(20''), 6 x Small Connectors. 24 months unlimited warranty. Simply email us for a quick and easy replacement
During the germination process, you will not need a grow light; however, once your seeds have germinated, a grow light can help ensure a healthy crop.
Microgreen Planting Rack (Optional) – If you have limited space and want to grow multiple trays of microgreens, a planter rack may be the answer. Microgreen Planter’s Racks allow you to store your microgreen trays vertically to save space. You can also customize your rack by installing grow lights.
Other Materials Needed to Grow Arugula Microgreens
The most important thing you need to grow arugula microgreens is high-quality seeds. When looking for seeds, try to find an organic seed like the one offered at True Leaf Market:
Arugula – Slow Bolt – Microgreens Seeds
Slow Bolt Arugula is an easy-to-grow microgreen that is delicious in a salad and when used as a bed of greens for seafood, fish, or chicken. This slow bolting arugula is sometimes referred to as garden rocket, salad rocket, or Roquette.
Below is the easy-to-follow, step-by-step process that you should follow to grow arugula microgreens. Be sure to read the how to grow arugula microgreens tutorial to learn how you can be enjoying arugula microgreens in less than 10 days.
Soaking Arugula Seeds
Arugula microgreens do not need to be presoaked.
Planting Your Arugula Seeds
For a 10 inch by 20 inches grow tray, you will need approximately 1 ounce (30 ml) of Non-GMO arugula seeds.
Place a tray with holes inside a tray without holes. This setup will allow you to water from the bottom up.
Soil or Coconut Coir – Fill your tray until it is approximately 3/4 full of either soil or coconut coir. Crush the growing medium between your fingers to ensure there are no clumps. Spread the soil evenly across the growing tray.
Tamp the Surface – Grab another tray or something flat to gently flatten the growing medium. Leveling the soil will help you evenly spread your seeds to improve germination rates. Mist the soil with water before you plant your seeds to prepare the soil for your arugula seeds.
Spread the Seeds – Spread your microgreen seeds evenly over the soil to ensure they have room to grow. You will need approximately 30 milliliters of seed for a 10 by 20 tray.
Water Your Seeds – Once you have spread your seeds, use your mister to water the soil and seeds three times.
Growing and Caring for Arugula Microgreens
The germination process begins in the dark. You want your microgreens to grow on long, slender stems. If they are immediately exposed to light, photosynthesis would occur, which would cause them to turn into thicker plants.
To get a crop of microgreens, you want your seedlings to stretch toward the light, pushing up the tray.
During the germination process, you will need to mist your seedlings daily. This will be the only time you will water your arugula microgreens from the top. Follow these steps for a great crop.
Weigh Down Your Seeds – Place a second tray on top of your seeds and place a brick or two on top to seal off your tray and block out all light. This technique forces your seeds to root in the growing medium properly.
Look for Sprouts – Approximately 24 to 48 hours after planting, your seeds should sprout. The sprouts will be very pale during this stage.
Remove the Top Tray – After your seeds have sprouted, you will want to water your microgreens. Add water to the bottom tray. Typically, you will need to water your trays twice daily with about a cup of water.
Place Your Arugula Microgreens Under Light – Once your microgreens have sprouted, it is time to place your arugula under a grow light. This will begin the process of photosynthesis. It should take a day or two for your microgreens to turn green.
Continue Monitoring Your Microgreens – Over the next few days, you will want to continue monitoring and adding water to the bottom tray, as necessary. Look to ensure that your microgreens are growing evenly and are filling out. You will add between 1/2 and 3/4 cups of water each day.
Harvest – By the sixth to eighth day, you will be ready to harvest. You want to harvest your microgreens before true leaves begin growing.
Harvesting Arugula Microgreens
You want to harvest your microgreens as soon as the leaves develop, which happens between days 6 and 8. Here is the best method to follow when harvesting arugula microgreens.
Harvest above the Roots – Use a sharp knife to cut the microgreens off approximately 1 inch above the soil level. This will reduce the risk of mold and ensure you are eating the healthiest parts of the microgreens.
Clean in Cool Water – Once harvested, rinse your microgreens in cool water and place them on a clean towel to dry.
The microgreen yield will depend on the germination percentage of your microgreen seeds. Purchasing from a quality provider like TrueLeafMarket.com will help ensure you get a high-yield crop.
Arugula microgreens cannot regrow, so place the soil and roots in your compost pile.
Storing and Shipping Arugula Microgreens
Place your microgreens in an airtight bag and place them in the refrigerator. When properly stored, your microgreens should last approximately a week if you keep them cold and covered.
If you plan on selling and shipping your arugula microgreens, you will want to pack them in lightweight containers, trays, or plastic bags.
Final Thoughts
Arugula microgreens are extremely nutritious and delicious. Unlike other microgreens, they are extremely easy to grow. You can grow them indoors or outdoors. In addition to seed and soil, you may want to invest a few hundred dollars in equipment to ensure you reap a bountiful harvest.
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.
Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.
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