Arugula 'Rocket Salad'

Arugula

Zone 1b Save Garden

🌱 40d to harvest Rosette

Peppery and vividly bright, Arugula ‘Rocket Salad’ delivers a lively, rocket-sharp flavor with a clean, tender bite that feels cr…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jun 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Jul 11th
Harvest Ends	Aug 1st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Forellenschluss Lettuce

Gila Lettuce

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for arugula 'Rocket Salad', and how do I manage it?

Arugula commonly gets downy mildew and leaf spots during cool, humid weather, showing as yellow patches on top leaves and fuzzy growth underneath. Remove and discard affected leaves, improve airflow by thinning plants to about 6–8 in (15–20 cm) apart, and water at the soil line (not over the foliage). If conditions stay wet, use a labeled copper-based fungicide early at the first spotting to protect new growth.

How often should I water arugula 'Rocket Salad' during its main growing period?

From sowing through the 40-day harvest window, keep the top 1 in (2–3 cm) of soil consistently evenly moist—water when it begins to dry at that depth, usually every 1–3 days depending on your weather. Avoid letting it dry out completely, because stress quickly makes arugula bitter and can trigger early bolting; in warm part-sun spots, check more frequently. Mulch lightly (thin layer) to reduce moisture swings without smothering the shallow-rooted plants.

How can I tell when arugula 'Rocket Salad' is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are 6–8 in (15–20 cm) tall and the individual leaves are firm, flavorful, and about 25–40 days after sowing (often within the ~40-day mark). You can start “cut-and-come-again” by snipping outer leaves with scissors, leaving the center to regrow, or pull whole plants at once for a single harvest. If leaves start looking small and the plant shoots up with a flowering stalk, harvest immediately because new growth turns more peppery and can become tough.

Peppery and vividly bright, Arugula ‘Rocket Salad’ delivers a lively, rocket-sharp flavor with a clean, tender bite that feels crisp even when young. The leaves form an upright, compact rosette of deep green foliage—slender, ruffled, and richly textured—ideal for fresh, quick harvests and for adding bold character to salads, garnishes, and zesty sauces. Grow it for a fast 40-day turnaround and enjoy a steady rhythm of flavorful greens throughout the season.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best tenderness, sow arugula in cool weather and keep it evenly moist to avoid bitterness and bolting.