How to Plant and Space Arugula for Maximum Harvest
Arugula is a fast-growing leafy green prized for its peppery flavor and versatility in salads, sandwiches, and cooking. With decades of experience growing arugula in raised beds, mounded rows, and containers, I’ve found that proper planting and spacing are key to maximizing yield, reducing disease, and keeping leaves tender. This guide covers how to sow, thin, and space arugula for the healthiest, most productive harvest.
Choosing the Right Site
- Sunlight: Arugula grows best with 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Partial shade in hot climates prevents premature bolting.
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter promotes steady growth.
- Bed Preparation: Loosen soil to a depth of 6–8 inches and incorporate compost before planting.
Direct Sowing Seeds
- Timing: Plant in cool weather—spring or fall. Arugula germinates quickly, often within 5–7 days.
- Seed Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
- Row Spacing: Space rows 10–12 inches apart to allow airflow and reduce disease risk.
- Thinning: Once seedlings reach 2 inches, thin to 2–4 inches apart to avoid overcrowding.
Succession Planting
- Why: Keeps arugula harvest continuous throughout the season.
- How: Plant new seeds every 2–3 weeks, adjusting spacing for smaller beds or containers.
Planting in Containers
- Container Size: Minimum 6–8 inches deep and 10–12 inches wide.
- Spacing: Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart to allow adequate airflow.
- Arrangement: Stagger rows or scatter seeds for a fuller, more productive container crop.
Companion Planting Considerations
- Plant arugula with onions, garlic, radishes, or herbs to improve pest resistance and maximize garden space.
- Avoid planting near other brassicas like cabbage or broccoli to reduce shared pest issues.
Expert Insight
From my experience, thin but frequent planting is more productive than dense sowing. Proper spacing keeps leaves tender, reduces disease, and allows for easy harvest. Container spacing slightly tighter than garden beds works, but always thin seedlings for airflow and leaf quality.
Key Takeaways
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and thin seedlings to 2–4 inches apart.
- Maintain row spacing of 10–12 inches for airflow and healthy growth.
- Use succession planting to extend harvest throughout the season.
With proper planting and spacing, arugula can provide a steady, abundant harvest of crisp, flavorful leaves all season long.
🌱 Arugula Planting and Spacing Checklist
| Step | Recommendation | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Seed Depth | ¼ inch | Lightly cover seeds with soil; keep soil consistently moist until germination |
| Row Spacing | 10–12 inches | Allows airflow and reduces disease |
| Seedling Thinning | 2–4 inches apart | Prevents overcrowding and encourages tender, flavorful leaves |
| Succession Planting | Every 2–3 weeks | Ensures continuous harvest throughout the season |
| Container Spacing | 2–3 inches apart | Thin seedlings for airflow; use 6–8 in. deep, 10–12 in. wide pots |
| Companion Plants | Onions, Garlic, Radishes, Herbs | Helps repel pests naturally |
| Plants to Avoid Nearby | Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale | Shares pests, may reduce leaf quality |
✅ Quick Tip:
For a continuous supply of arugula, combine succession sowing with proper thinning. Even in containers, this method maximizes harvest and keeps leaves tender.
