Expert Tips: How to Grow Arugula from Cuttings for Maximum Yield

Grow your own arugula from cuttings and enjoy fresh, peppery greens in no time! This method is quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding. Learn how to grow arugula from cuttings, and you’ll be enjoying the delicious flavor of this salad staple in just a few weeks.

Why Grow Arugula From Cuttings?

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a fast-growing, cool-season leafy green. While you can certainly start arugula from seed, growing it from cuttings offers several benefits:

• Faster Harvest: Cuttings root quickly, allowing you to enjoy fresh arugula in just a few weeks, compared to several weeks or months from seed.
• Guaranteed Success: Cuttings are essentially clones of the parent plant, meaning you’re guaranteed to get the same delicious flavor and characteristics.
• Simple and Easy: Growing arugula from cuttings is a straightforward process that even beginner gardeners can master.

Choosing the Right Cuttings

The key to successful arugula propagation from cuttings is selecting healthy, vigorous stems. Here’s what to look for:

• Healthy Appearance: Choose stems that are free of disease, pests, and damage. They should have a bright green color and a firm texture.
• Mature Growth: Select stems that are at least 6 inches long and have multiple leaves.
• Cuttings from the Top: The best cuttings come from the top portion of the arugula plant, where growth is most active.

Taking the Cuttings

Once you’ve chosen your stems, it’s time to take the cuttings:

1. Use Sharp Scissors: Clean, sharp scissors or a knife will ensure a clean cut and minimize damage to the stem.
2. Cut Below a Node: Nodes are the points on the stem where leaves grow. Cut the stem just below a node, leaving about 2-3 inches of stem length.
3. Remove Lower Leaves: Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only the top 2-3 leaves. This will help prevent rotting and encourage root development.

Preparing the Cuttings for Rooting

Before planting your arugula cuttings, it’s essential to prepare them for rooting:

1. Dip in Rooting Hormone: Optional but highly recommended. Rooting hormone helps stimulate root growth and increases the success rate of propagation.
2. Moistening the Cuttings: Gently moisten the base of the cuttings to encourage root development.
3. Allowing the Cuttings to Callus: Place the cuttings in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours. This allows the cut ends to callus over, which helps prevent rotting and promotes root growth.

Planting the Arugula Cuttings

Now it’s time to plant your prepared arugula cuttings:

1. Choose a Suitable Container: Use a small pot or tray with drainage holes. Fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
2. Make a Planting Hole: Make a small hole in the potting mix, deep enough to accommodate the cutting.
3. Plant the Cutting: Gently insert the cutting into the hole, ensuring the lower node is buried in the soil.
4. Firmly Pack the Soil: Gently press the soil around the cutting to secure it in place.
5. Water Thoroughly: Water the cuttings thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moistened.

Caring for Your Arugula Cuttings

Once you’ve planted your cuttings, it’s crucial to provide them with the right care to encourage healthy growth and root development:

1. Provide Adequate Light: Arugula cuttings need bright, indirect light. Place them in a sunny window or under a grow light.
2. Maintain Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water regularly, but allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
3. Keep the Temperature Moderate: Arugula prefers cool temperatures, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
4. Fertilize Regularly: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks to provide essential nutrients for growth.

Harvesting Your Arugula

Your arugula cuttings should start to root within a few weeks. You’ll know they’re ready to harvest when they have developed a good root system and have produced several new leaves.

1. Harvest Regularly: Pinch off the leaves you want to eat, leaving the main stem intact. This encourages new growth and keeps your arugula plants producing fresh leaves.
2. Enjoy Your Harvest: Arugula is delicious in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish. Its peppery flavor adds a delightful twist to any dish.

The Final Word: Arugula Cuttings – A Delicious Shortcut

Growing arugula from cuttings is a rewarding and quick way to enjoy fresh, flavorful greens. Follow these steps, and you’ll be harvesting your own homegrown arugula in no time!

What You Need to Learn

1. Can I grow arugula from cuttings year-round?

While arugula is a cool-season crop, you can grow it from cuttings year-round in a controlled environment like a greenhouse or indoors under grow lights.

2. What if my cuttings don‘t root?

Don’t worry! Not all cuttings will root successfully. Try different cutting methods, use rooting hormone, and ensure proper care.

3. Can I grow arugula from cuttings in the ground?

Yes, you can! Once your cuttings have rooted, you can transplant them to a sunny spot in your garden.

4. How long will my arugula plants last?

Arugula plants are typically short-lived, but you can extend their lifespan by harvesting leaves regularly and providing optimal growing conditions.

5. Can I grow other leafy greens from cuttings?

Yes! Some other leafy greens that can be propagated from cuttings include lettuce, spinach, and kale.