Free shipping on orders over $60

Astro

Eruca sativa

$3.99

3 g Approximately

Astro Arugula (Eruca sativa) is an open-pollinated, heirloom arugula variety known for its mildly peppery, nutty flavor. It’s ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, or garnishes and can be enjoyed at different stages from microgreens to mature leaves. Its edible white flowers with pink veins add both flavor and beauty to dishes.

Disclaimer: Product images are provided for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product. The actual product may vary due to a variety of factors.

133 in stock

  • Type: Open-Pollinated, Heirloom, Annual
  • Flavor: Mildly spicy with nutty undertones, intensifies in warmer weather
  • Days to Maturity:
    • Microgreens: 8-12 days
    • Baby Greens: 30-32 days
    • Full Size: 40-52 days
  • Hardiness Zones: 3-10
  • Ideal Temperature: Cool weather, around 68¡F for optimal growth
  • Sunlight: Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Soil pH: 6.0-6.8

When to Plant:

  • Cool Season: Prefers early spring or fall sowing to avoid bolting.
  • Succession Planting: Sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest until the first frost.

How to Plant:

  • Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.

Spacing:

  • Microgreens: Densely broadcast
  • Baby Leaf: 60 seeds/foot in a 2Ó band, rows spaced 2-6 inches apart
  • Bunching: 15 seeds/foot in a 2Ó band, rows spaced 12-18 inches apart
  • Germination: Usually takes 5-7 days in soil around 68¡F.

Sun and Soil:

  • Choose a well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost.
  • Prefers full sun to partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Growing and Care

  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Water weekly once established.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch to help retain moisture and control weeds.
  • Fertilizer: If needed, use a balanced organic fertilizer, especially in nutrient-poor soils.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Pests: Flea beetles are a common pest; row covers can prevent infestations.
  • Diseases: Avoid disease by practicing crop rotation and maintaining clean soil.

Harvesting Tips

  • Baby Greens: Harvest when leaves are 3-6 inches long, cutting about an inch above the soil.
  • Mature Leaves: Cut leaves just above the basal plate to allow for regrowth.
  • Edible Flowers: Harvest the white flowers when they bloom for a spicy, nutty garnish.

Culinary Uses

  • Preparation: Fresh leaves are ideal for salads, sandwiches, pesto, or as a pizza topping. Flowers can be used as an edible garnish.
  • Storage: Store harvested leaves in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Astro Arugula is both flavorful and versatile, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners and chefs alike. Its fast growth and continual harvest potential make it a staple cool-weather crop.