True Italian

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

In early spring, sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil 1 to 2 inches apart in rows 10 inches apart in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep seed bed evenly moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. Make new sowings every 2 weeks until early summer for a constant supply of fresh non-bitter leaves. Young leaves are ready to begin harvesting in 3 to 4 weeks. In hot summer areas, wait to sow again in late summer for fall use, as summer heat makes leaves very pungent.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Arugula grows so quickly we recommend sowing in place rather than transplanting. Thin seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart when plants are large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Begin harvesting by thinning little seedlings to use in salads when they are several inches tall, leaving remaining seedlings to mature 2 to 3 inches apart. Either pick individual leaves when they are 3 to 4 inches long, or snip leaves about 1 inch above the crown and let plants regrow for more harvests.