Astro Arugula is a fast-growing, fresh, tart, bitter, peppery leafy green that is a must-have for any garden. Its bold taste adds a unique kick to salads, sandwiches, and a variety of dishes.Arugula is popularly used as a salad green but can be used in lieu of most lettuces and herbs, such as in pestos, sauces, sandwiches, pizzas, and pastas for an added flair. Arugula is incredibly nutritious, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as beneficial antioxidants. It's a versatile crop that thrives in cooler weather, making it ideal for spring and fall planting. Its rapid growth means you'll have a quick harvest, perfect for those who want to enjoy homegrown greens without a long wait. Additionally, arugula's tender leaves are easy to harvest and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, making it a versatile addition to your garden and kitchen.

Also Known As: Astro Rocket, Astro Salad Rocket, Astro Arugula, Garden Rocket, Roquette, Eruca, Rocket Lettuce, Rucola, Wild Rocket, Arugula Rocket, and Italian Cress.

Plant Name:	Arugula, Astro
Latin Name:	Eruca vesicaria
Days to Germinate:	4-7
Days to Harvest:	50
Plant Height:	12 - 18 Inches
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Plant arugula in the spring after all danger of frost has passed as soon as the soil can be worked. For fall crops, direct sow seeds or transplant seedlings outdoors 4-6 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 5 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin plants after germination, plant seeds 1 inch apart then thin to 6 inches apart after emergence to give plants more spacing for larger growth. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2-3 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Additional fertilizing is usually not needed. If growth is slow or leaves are smaller than expected, you may optionally apply a light dressing of a complete fertilizer, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Arugula is ready to harvest about 3 to 4 weeks after planting, when the leaves are young, tender, and vibrant green. If you're harvesting the entire plant, wait until it reaches around 4 to 6 inches tall. For a continuous supply of fresh arugula, you can harvest the outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to keep growing. Arugula can be harvested multiple times throughout the season, as it grows continuously.