Help! Arugula Becomes Spindly Over Time

[chris]

I've tried 4 different crops of arugula. At first, the leaves are full and reach over 6" long. Perfect! These leaves emerge from the base of the pods.

Later (maybe a month after planting), shoots emerge from the pods sporting small leaves that seldom reach over 3 inches. These shoots go on to bolt and flower.

Is there a way to promote the continuous production of base-emergent long leaves?

Where should I trim arugula? Should I cut back the shoots when they first appear. Or just before flowering?

Can I cut the large leaves emerging from the base in half and expect the leaves to repair themselves? Of should these leaves (as I do now) just be clipped at the base of the pod?

Is arugula just doomed to a very short "season" in an aerogarden?

I love the spicy AG arugula. And store-bought arugula stays fresh about 3 days.

[Shawn]

Welcome to the forum!

I wish I could help but I have never grown arugula.  I am not fond of bitter greens.  

I will search this she see if I can get some info.  In the meantime have you done a search on the forum for arugula?  One of our arugula growers well hopefully chime in.

I will take a look later or in the morning and post my findings.

How long have you been Aerogardening?

Again welcome.

[chris]

I've had aerogardens for ~ 4 years. I'm up to 7 machines, lining the walls of one small room. Thinking of designing an automatic watering system. But then... so many other interests. I'll keep looking for arugula help.

[clumsythumbs]

May 24, 2019 16:24:48 GMT -5 chris said:

I've tried 4 different crops of arugula. At first, the leaves are full and reach over 6" long. Perfect! These leaves emerge from the base of the pods.

Later (maybe a month after planting), shoots emerge from the pods sporting small leaves that seldom reach over 3 inches. These shoots go on to bolt and flower.

Is there a way to promote the continuous production of base-emergent long leaves?

Where should I trim arugula? Should I cut back the shoots when they first appear. Or just before flowering?

Can I cut the large leaves emerging from the base in half and expect the leaves to repair themselves? Of should these leaves (as I do now) just be clipped at the base of the pod?

Is arugula just doomed to a very short "season" in an aerogarden?

I love the spicy AG arugula. And store-bought arugula stays fresh about 3 days.

Hi chris, while I have not grown arugula, I a wondering if it could be due to temperate? Either of the environment or the water? Arugula tends to prefer cooler conditions, like in the 50s/low 60s. I know lettuces can bolt faster with warmer water temps and warmer weather. The other thing is maybe harvest sooner? If the leaves are getting 6" long, maybe the plant starts to bolt?  Those are just two ideas. Many people on here add a few cubes of ice to greens and lettuces if the water feels warm. I personally do this with my lettuces, otherwise the water tends to get pretty warm.