How to Grow Arugula in Containers and Pots

Arugula is one of the easiest leafy greens to grow in containers, rewarding you with fresh, peppery leaves for salads, sandwiches, and quick sautés. With decades of experience growing arugula in raised beds and pots, I’ve found that container gardening is not only space-saving but also a great way to control soil quality and reduce pests. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting, caring for, and harvesting arugula in pots for a flavorful harvest.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Container

Size: Select a pot at least 6–8 inches deep and 10–12 inches wide. Arugula has shallow roots, but space encourages steady growth.
Material: Plastic, fabric grow bags, or ceramic pots all work as long as they have good drainage holes.
Drainage: Ensure excess water can escape to prevent root rot. Elevating pots slightly helps airflow.

Soil and Fertility

Mix: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy garden soil.
Amendments: Add a handful of compost or a slow-release organic fertilizer before planting to provide essential nutrients.

Planting Arugula

Timing: Sow seeds outdoors when temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. Arugula thrives in cool weather.
Spacing: Scatter seeds evenly, then cover lightly with ¼ inch of soil. Thin seedlings to 2–4 inches apart once they emerge.
Successive Sowing: Plant a new batch every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvests.

Watering and Feeding

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Dry soil can cause arugula to bolt (flower) early.
Feeding: Top-dress with compost or apply a diluted liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to maintain leaf production.

Sunlight and Placement

Light: Arugula grows best with 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent bolting.
Location: Patios, balconies, or windowsills with bright light are perfect spots.

Caring for Container Arugula

Pest Management: Keep an eye out for flea beetles or aphids. Use row covers or neem oil if needed.
Temperature Control: In warm weather, move pots to a cooler location or use shade cloth to extend the growing season.

Harvesting

Baby Leaves: Begin harvesting tender leaves when they are 2–3 inches long, usually within 20–25 days of sowing.
Cut-and-Come-Again: Snip outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth, or cut entire plants just above the soil when mature.

My Experience

Growing arugula in containers gives you flexibility and control—perfect for small gardens, patios, or year-round indoor growing. With the right soil and consistent watering, you can enjoy fresh, peppery greens even in tight spaces.

✅ Arugula Container Growing Checklist

Step	Key Details	Tips for Success
Choose Container	6–8 in. deep, 10–12 in. wide	Ensure drainage holes to prevent root rot
Soil Mix	High-quality potting mix + compost	Avoid heavy garden soil
Planting Time	Cool weather: 40–75°F	Sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest
Seed Depth & Spacing	¼ in. deep, thin to 2–4 in. apart	Scatter seeds evenly for even growth
Watering	Keep soil evenly moist	Dry soil triggers early bolting
Feeding	Compost or liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks	Use organic fertilizer for best flavor
Light Needs	4–6 hours direct sun	Provide afternoon shade in hot climates
Harvest	Baby leaves at 20–25 days	Cut outer leaves or harvest whole plant