Top 20 Varieties of Arugula to Grow: Tips, Advice, and Facts

Arugula, also known as rocket or roquette, is a peppery, leafy green that’s perfect for salads, garnishes, and adding a zesty bite to various dishes. It’s easy to grow and thrives in cool weather, making it an excellent crop for early spring and fall. Arugula is a fast-growing plant, and many varieties are available, each offering slightly different flavors and growth characteristics. Here’s your guide to the top 20 arugula varieties to grow, with helpful tips, advice, facts, and answers to common questions about growing this popular green.

Top 20 Arugula Varieties to Grow

1. Astro Arugula

Tips: Astro arugula grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly.
Facts: This mild-tasting variety has smooth, tender leaves and matures quickly, making it perfect for baby greens in salads.

2. Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia)

Tips: Wild rocket thrives in full sun and can handle poor, sandy soil. It has deep roots, so it’s drought-tolerant once established.
Facts: Known for its intensely peppery flavor, wild rocket has smaller, deeply lobed leaves compared to regular arugula. It’s a perennial in mild climates.

3. Rocket Arugula (Eruca vesicaria)

Tips: This variety grows well in cool weather and rich, well-drained soil. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer for best results.
Facts: Classic rocket arugula has a spicy, mustard-like flavor and large, lobed leaves, making it a favorite for salads and garnishes.

4. Red Dragon Arugula

Tips: Red Dragon prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to maintain tender leaves.
Facts: This unique variety has red-veined leaves with a mildly spicy flavor, adding both color and taste to salads.

5. Wasabi Arugula

Tips: Wasabi arugula grows well in full sun and rich soil. Keep the soil moist for the best flavor.
Facts: This spicy variety mimics the heat of wasabi, making it a great addition to sushi, sandwiches, or salads.

6. Surrey Arugula

Tips: Surrey grows best in cool weather with consistent watering. Provide partial shade during hot summers.
Facts: A fast-growing, mild variety, Surrey is known for its smooth, tender leaves, making it ideal for baby greens or mixed salads.

7. Dragon’s Tongue Arugula

Tips: Dragon’s Tongue prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
Facts: This beautiful variety has dark green leaves with striking purple veins and a mild, nutty flavor, making it perfect for fresh salads.

8. Sylvetta (Wild Rocket)

Tips: Sylvetta thrives in full sun and can tolerate poor, rocky soil. It grows best with regular watering in hot climates.
Facts: A perennial variety with small, deeply lobed leaves and an intense, peppery flavor. It’s ideal for adding a spicy kick to salads and pizza.

9. Speedy Arugula

Tips: Speedy arugula grows well in cool weather and rich soil. Sow seeds in early spring for the best yield.
Facts: True to its name, Speedy arugula matures quickly, producing tender, mildly spicy leaves perfect for salads and sandwiches.

10. Slow Bolt Arugula

Tips: Slow Bolt thrives in cooler temperatures and should be watered regularly. It’s more tolerant of heat than other varieties.
Facts: This variety is resistant to bolting, allowing for a longer harvest period. The leaves are tender with a mild, peppery flavor.

11. Apollo Arugula

Tips: Apollo prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the leaves tender and avoid stress.
Facts: Apollo has smooth, flat leaves and a mild flavor, making it perfect for salads, garnishes, or as a pizza topping.

12. Bellezia Arugula

Tips: Bellezia grows well in full sun and cool weather. Regular watering will keep the leaves tender and sweet.
Facts: Known for its smooth, bright green leaves, Bellezia has a mild, nutty flavor with a hint of pepper, making it ideal for salads or sandwiches.

13. Rucola Selvatica

Tips: Rucola Selvatica prefers full sun and poor, well-drained soil. Water sparingly to enhance the flavor of the leaves.
Facts: This wild Italian variety has deeply lobed leaves and an intense, peppery taste. It’s perfect for adding a zesty bite to salads and pasta.

14. Mediterranean Wild Arugula

Tips: Grows best in warm, sunny conditions but tolerates cooler weather. Water regularly to avoid bitter leaves.
Facts: This variety is native to the Mediterranean and has a strong, spicy flavor with finely lobed leaves, perfect for a robust salad or pizza topping.

15. Italian Cress Arugula

Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in early spring or fall for the best results.
Facts: Italian Cress has large, broad leaves and a mild flavor, making it perfect for fresh salads or cooking.

16. Red Frills Arugula

Tips: Red Frills grows well in full sun with consistent watering. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth.
Facts: This ornamental variety has finely serrated, dark red leaves with a mild, peppery flavor, adding a splash of color to salads and garnishes.

17. Tuscany Arugula

Tips: Tuscany prefers full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Facts: A mild variety, Tuscany has broad, dark green leaves and a slightly nutty flavor, making it perfect for fresh dishes and salads.

18. Ice-Bred Arugula

Tips: Ice-Bred grows well in cold weather and tolerates frost. Plant in early spring or late fall for a robust harvest.
Facts: This cold-tolerant variety has thick, spicy leaves with a hearty texture, ideal for winter salads and garnishes.

19. Arctic Arugula

Tips: Arctic arugula thrives in cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts. Sow in early spring or fall for the best yields.
Facts: Known for its cold-hardiness, Arctic arugula has a spicy, peppery flavor that adds a zesty punch to salads and sandwiches.

20. Dragon’s Claw Arugula

Tips: Dragon’s Claw grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly to maintain the best flavor.
Facts: This variety has unique, deeply lobed leaves with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for adding a decorative touch to salads or as a garnish.

Common Questions About Growing Arugula

Q: When should I plant arugula?
A: Arugula is a cool-season crop and should be planted in early spring or late summer when temperatures are between 45-65°F (7-18°C). You can also plant it in fall for a late-season harvest.

Q: Can I grow arugula in containers?
A: Yes, arugula grows well in containers. Use a pot that is at least 6 inches deep, with good drainage, and place it in a sunny location. Container-grown arugula should be watered consistently to keep the soil moist.

Q: How long does arugula take to grow?
A: Arugula is a fast-growing crop, and most varieties are ready to harvest in 20-40 days. Baby leaves can be harvested earlier for a tender, mild flavor.

Q: How do I know when to harvest arugula?
A: Harvest arugula when the leaves are about 2-3 inches long for baby greens, or let them grow a bit longer for mature leaves. Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the plant to continue growing.

Q: How do I store arugula after harvesting?
A: Fresh arugula can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wash the leaves and store them in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag to keep them fresh for longer.