How To Grow Arugula Microgreens In 7 Easy Steps

Growing arugula microgreens is an easy way to produce fresh, peppery greens indoors in very little space. They grow quickly, don’t require complicated equipment, and you can usually harvest them about 7 to 14 days after planting.

You only need arugula seeds, a shallow growing tray, a growing medium such as coco coir or potting mix, water, and enough light. I prefer a two-tray setup because it allows you to bottom water the microgreens once they are growing.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the entire process from planting the seeds to harvesting your first tray.

Growing Arugula Microgreens at a Glance

Why Grow Arugula Microgreens?

Arugula microgreens are incredibly easy to grow, making them a popular plant.

So, whether you are a beginner gardener or an experienced green thumb, you can easily follow these instructions and have a bountiful harvest of arugula microgreens in no time.

• Growing Arugula Microgreens involves a simple 7-step process suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.

• Initially, gather essential materials like arugula seeds, growing trays, and a suitable growing medium like coco coir or potting soil.

• Following this, spread the seeds on the moistened soil, cover them lightly, place the container in a well-lit area, and maintain a consistent watering schedule.

• Harvest the microgreens when they are about 1-3 inches tall, typically in 7-14 days.

Here is some more on how to grow microgreens at home you might like.

What Are Arugula Microgreens?

Arugula microgreens are the young shoots of the arugula plant and are typically harvested when they are about 7-14 days old.

Because of its fast growth and unique taste it is one of the most popular microgreens.

The plant is also known as garden rocket by some, and it actually grows wild in some parts of the Mediterranean region.  

Disclaimer: I am not a physician and don’t play one on TV either. The material on this site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek a physician’s advice before using any information you find on this website to treat or prevent any condition.

Because they are so young, microgreens are packed with nutrients and vitamins. Arugula microgreens, in particular, are high in vitamins C and K, as well as calcium, potassium, and iron.

They also contain a variety of phytochemicals and antioxidants that can have health benefits. Some potential benefits of eating arugula microgreens include improved heart health, better bone health, and a strengthened immune system.

Additionally, because microgreens are so young, they are often more flavorful than fully-grown arugula, so they can add a tasty and nutrient-rich boost to salads and other dishes.

Arugula (American English) or rocket (Commonwealth English) (Eruca vesicaria;… is an edible annual plant in the family Brassicaceae used as a leaf vegetable for its fresh, tart, bitter, and peppery flavor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eruca_vesicaria

Arugula Microgreens Benefits

Arugula microgreens are a nutrient-dense food with a high concentration of vitamins and minerals. A serving of arugula microgreens (about 1 cup) contains:

Vitamin C: 22% of the daily recommended value
Vitamin A: 26% of the daily recommended value
Vitamin K: over 100% of the daily recommended value
Calcium: 4% of the daily recommended value
Iron: 6% of the daily recommended value
Potassium: 4% of the daily recommended value
Manganese: 6% of the daily recommended value

Additionally, arugula microgreens are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against oxidative stress and disease.

They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for those looking to manage their weight.

What’s The Difference Between Arugula And Arugula Microgreens?

Arugula and arugula microgreens are actually the same type of plant, but they are at different stages of growth.

Arugula is a type of plant with leafy greens that is commonly used in salads and other dishes. It has a slightly spicy flavor and is known for its distinctive taste.

Arugula microgreens, on the other hand, are very young arugula plants that are harvested just a few weeks after they are germinated.

They are smaller and a little bit more delicate than mature arugula leaves, and they have a more intense flavor.

What does arugula taste like?

Arugula has a slightly spicy and nutty flavor. Some people describe it as having a mustard-like or peppery taste. It is often used in salads and other dishes to add a burst of flavor.

Because of their small size, arugula microgreens are often used as a garnish or added to dishes as a flavorful and nutritious topping.

In short, the main difference between arugula and arugula microgreens is their size and flavor.

Arugula microgreens are smaller and have a more intense flavor, while mature arugula leaves are larger and have a milder flavor.

Getting Ready To Grow Arugula Microgreens

Before you start growing arugula, you need to gather your materials together. You will need arugula microgreen seeds, growing trays, and a growing medium like potting soil or coco coir.

If you are a beginning gardener, it might be easiest to start with a kit. So if you want to skip gathering your growing supplies separately you can get started by buying a Microgreen starter kit.

If you prefer to grow your arugula and start from scratch here are the seven steps for growing arugula microgreens:

How To Grow Arugula Microgreens In 7 Easy Steps

1.Get your arugula seeds

Start by obtaining arugula seed packets from a reputable supplier or you can buy them online. Unlike some other vegetable seeds, there really aren’t any special varieties of arugula to recommend.

2. Prepare the Growing Medium 

Depending on how much space you have available, select one or two shallow containers for growing your microgreens.

Using a 2 tray system will allow bottom watering of your arugula seedlings. This is the best method of watering microgreens.

One container should have drainage holes and growing media in it and the other should be empty.

You will want to place water in one and set the tray with the holes inside it to bottom water your soil.

Fill these with a moisture-retaining soil mix suitable for germinating seeds such as potting mix, coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or vermiculite/perlite mixture.

You can use recycled food containers or clamshells for microgreen trays as long as they are clean.

For best results prepare a 1020 seed propagation tray or container with a growing medium, such as potting soil or a soilless mix, or coconut coir.

3. Plant the Seeds

Spread out your arugula seeds over the surface of the moistened soil and lightly press the tiny seeds into place using your fingers or a small spoon.

Dont presoak your seeds.  It is much easier to sow dry arugula seed.

Sprinkle the seeds over the surface of the growing medium, making sure to distribute them evenly and about 1/4 inch apart.

4. Cover the Seeds

To ensure that your arugula microgreens get adequate moisture, cover them with a thin layer of moistened soil.

Water the seeds gently, by misting them using a spray bottle. The seeds should be moist but not waterlogged.

Avoid giving them too much water it can cause mold issues or fungal diseases.

5. Place in a Sunny Spot

Place the container in an area with plenty of sunlight, such as a south-facing windowsill.

Place the tray or container in a location that receives indirect sunlight and has a consistent temperature of around 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

During the winter months in North America, you may not have enough natural lighting to grow microgreens. You need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.

So most likely you will need to provide supplemental lighting. Here is an LED grow light that will work well:

6. Water Regularly

Keep the soil moist but not saturated by watering lightly every day. Mist watering is a beneficial way to help keep the surface of the soil evenly moist while preventing waterlogging. You can also bottom water your baby plants.

Keep the seeds moist by watering them regularly, making sure to not let the growing medium dry out completely, and also avoid overwatering your seedlings. When they are very small they can’t use a lot of water.

7. Harvest when Ready

Your arugula microgreens will be ready to harvest after about 7-14 days, and 1-3 inches tall.

After about 7-10 days, the arugula microgreens should be ready to harvest, but you can begin by starting to thin them out and letting some plants get larger.

Simply cut them off at the base of the stems, using scissors or a sharp knife.

If you want to extend your harvest, try removing just single outer leaves and leaving the top of the stem intact.

By following these steps, you can easily grow a healthy crop of your own arugula microgreens in no time.

Not only are they incredibly delicious and nutritious, but growing them is also a fun and rewarding experience for any gardener.

So don’t hesitate to get started on growing your own arugula microgreen garden today.

How Do You Store Arugula Microgreens?

Arugula microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator in a container or plastic bag that has ventilation holes. It’s important to keep them dry and away from moisture to prevent spoilage.

To extend their shelf life, you can place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.

You can also place the container in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator to keep the microgreens fresh for as long as possible.

It’s best to use the microgreens within a week for the best flavor and texture. Here is more info on how to store microgreens.

How To Store Microgreens (Maximize Your Harvest!)

Arugula Microgreens FAQs

How long do arugula microgreens take to grow?

Arugula microgreens are fast growers and are usually ready to harvest about 7–14 days after planting. I generally harvest them when they are around 1–3 inches tall. You can also let some grow a little longer if you prefer larger microgreens.

Do you need to soak arugula seeds before growing microgreens?

No. I don’t presoak arugula seeds before planting them as microgreens. The tiny dry seeds are much easier to spread evenly across the surface of your growing medium.

What is the best growing medium for arugula microgreens?

You can grow arugula microgreens in potting mix or a soilless growing medium. Coco coir is one of my preferred choices because it holds moisture while still providing a good growing environment for the young roots.

How often should you water arugula microgreens?

Keep the growing medium consistently moist without saturating it. Young seedlings don’t use much water, so avoid soaking the tray. You can mist the surface when the seedlings are very small and switch to bottom watering as they become established.

What is the best way to water arugula microgreens?

I prefer bottom watering microgreens using a two-tray system. The upper tray contains the growing medium and has drainage holes, while the lower tray holds the water. This lets moisture move into the growing medium from below without constantly wetting the leaves and stems.

How much light do arugula microgreens need?

Arugula microgreens need plenty of light once they are growing. A bright window may provide enough natural light during part of the year. During darker months, an LED grow light makes it much easier to provide consistent lighting and produce sturdy green growth.

How do you know when arugula microgreens are ready to harvest?

Your arugula microgreens are generally ready when they reach about 1–3 inches tall, usually within 7–14 days. Harvest them with clean scissors or a sharp knife by cutting the stems just above the growing medium.

Do arugula microgreens grow back after harvesting?

Arugula microgreens are normally grown as a single-harvest crop. After cutting your tray, the easiest way to maintain a steady supply is to start another batch from fresh seed. You can stagger your plantings so another tray is growing while you harvest the first one.

Can you grow arugula microgreens without a grow light?

Yes, if you have a bright enough location. A sunny window can work when it provides sufficient light. During winter or in rooms without strong natural light, supplemental LED lighting can produce more consistent results.

How should you store harvested arugula microgreens?

Keep harvested arugula microgreens dry and refrigerated. Store them in a container or bag with some ventilation, and add a paper towel to help absorb excess moisture. For the best flavor and texture, try to use them within about a week.

Growing Arugula Microgreens: Conclusion

🚀 Quick Harvest, Big Rewards

Growing arugula microgreens at home is one of the easiest ways to enjoy homegrown food without much space or effort. In just 7 to 14 days, you’ll have a harvest ready to top sandwiches, boost salads, or eat straight from the tray.

💪 Packed with Nutrition

These tiny greens are loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium, iron, and antioxidants. Arugula microgreens don’t just taste great—they support bone health, immunity, and overall wellness with every bite.

🌞 Perfect for Beginners

If you’re just getting started with indoor gardening, arugula is a forgiving plant. It germinates quickly, grows reliably, and doesn’t require fancy equipment. A sunny windowsill or basic grow light is enough to get great results.

🌿 Ready to Grow Again?

Once you harvest your first batch, you’ll probably want to plant another tray right away. With such a short turnaround and high success rate, arugula microgreens are perfect for keeping a steady supply of fresh greens in your kitchen.

Happy growing—and enjoy that zesty crunch!