Arugula

250 Seeds

Arugula is an excellent cool-season crop for the Gulf. It grows quickly and can produce several harvests, but high temperatures cause rapid bolting and a stronger, more bitter flavor. For Kuwait and similar Gulf climates, focus on autumn, winter, and early spring production.

🌱 Best Sowing Time

• Best sowing periods: September–March.
• Best period in Kuwait: October–February.
• A second sowing can be made every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest.
• Avoid sowing during May–August, especially during extreme summer heat.
• Ideal germination temperature: approximately 10–20°C.
• Arugula can germinate at warmer temperatures, but excessive heat may reduce germination and encourage early bolting.

🌿 How to Sow the Seeds

1. Use a fertile, loose, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil or seed-starting mix.
2. Sow seeds approximately 0.5–1 cm deep.
3. Cover lightly with fine soil.
4. Water gently after sowing.
5. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
6. Place the seed tray in a bright location with good light.
7. Once seedlings appear, thin them to approximately 5–10 cm apart for baby-leaf production.
8. For larger mature plants, allow approximately 15–20 cm spacing.

⏱ Germination

• Germination usually occurs within 3–8 days under suitable conditions.
• Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
• Avoid allowing the seedbed to dry out.
• Good ventilation helps prevent fungal problems.

🌱 Growing & Care

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
• In the Gulf, provide morning sun and afternoon shade, especially as temperatures rise.
• Soil: Fertile, rich in organic matter, loose, and well drained.
• Watering: Water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture.
• Avoid irregular watering because drought stress can increase bitterness and encourage bolting.
• Fertilizing: Mix compost into the soil before sowing. A mild balanced fertilizer can be used if growth is weak.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, especially close to harvest.

🥗 Harvesting

• Baby leaves can be harvested approximately 20–30 days after sowing.
• Mature leaves can generally be harvested around 30–45 days after sowing, depending on conditions.
• Harvest the outer leaves first, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production.
• For the best flavor, harvest in the early morning.
• Regular harvesting can delay flowering and extend the productive period.

🌸 Preventing Early Bolting

• High temperatures are the main cause of early bolting in the Gulf.
• Provide afternoon shade as temperatures rise.
• Keep plants consistently watered.
• Harvest frequently.
• Sow new batches every 2–3 weeks during the cool season.
• Once flower stems develop, the leaves often become more pungent and bitter.

🌡 Gulf Climate Tips

• Arugula is particularly well suited to Kuwait's autumn and winter growing season.
• During warmer periods, use 30–50% shade cloth, particularly in the afternoon.
• In containers, use a light potting mix and ensure excellent drainage.
• Water preferably in the early morning.
• A thin layer of organic mulch can help maintain moisture and moderate soil temperature.
• During unusually warm weather, move container-grown arugula to a cooler location with morning sun.
• For commercial or continuous home production, succession sowing every 2–3 weeks is recommended.

Tip: For a steady supply of fresh arugula in Kuwait, sow a small quantity every 2–3 weeks from October through February rather than planting the entire seed packet at once.