Roquette

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Peppery and bright from the first tender bite, Roquette arugula carries a vivid, garden-fresh bite with a gentle sweetness that lingers.

Leaves form a lively rosette of deep green, narrow and slightly ruffled, with a crisp, succulent texture that holds its character in salads and quick tosses. Ideal for fresh greens, Roquette also shines when stirred into sauces for a bold, aromatic finish and when pickled for a tangy, leafy crunch.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jun 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Roquette’s narrow, ruffled leaves bring a clean pepper heat that reads almost like arugula’s “aroma first” version—vivid right away, not lingering bitterness. Use it raw to keep the snap, or add it to warm food at the finish so it wilts theatrically without turning soft.

Best Uses

shaved into salads where it stays snappy under vinaigrette
quick toss with warm beans/potatoes so it wilts just at the edges
stir into pan sauces and emulsions at the end for an aromatic pepper lift
pickled for tangy, leafy crunch that cuts through fat

Flavor Profile

peppery, slightly sulfurous bite bright citrus-like tang crisp, succulent leaf with a tender snap gentle sweetness on the finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan garlic aged balsamic vinegar olive or caper brine

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common pest problem for Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa (roquette/arugula), and how do I control it?

Cabbage worms (imported cabbage worm) and flea beetles are frequent on roquette, causing holes and ragged edges in young leaves. Check leaves twice a week and hand-pick worms when you see them, then cover seedlings with a fine row cover until plants are well established. If flea beetles are chewing, keep plants evenly watered and use an insect netting barrier during peak flea activity.

How often should I water roquette during its main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the 3–6 weeks of leaf growth, water to keep the top 1–2 inches of soil consistently moist but not soggy. In full sun and warm weather, this typically means watering about 1–2 times per week, but adjust so the soil never dries out completely between waterings. Mulch lightly (optional) to reduce moisture swings, since roquette quickly turns bitter and bolts when stressed.

How can I tell when roquette (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are tender and about 2–6 inches long, typically around 40 days from sowing for main maturity. For best flavor, pick before flower buds form; once plants begin bolting, leaves become sharper and more bitter. You can cut outer leaves first for continued regrowth, or harvest the whole rosette when it reaches a good size.