How to Grow Arugula Indoors (Peppery Greens for Salads)

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a leafy green with a distinct peppery flavor that adds a delicious kick to salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. The best part? You can grow arugula indoors all year long — it’s fast, easy, and perfect for small spaces. This beginner-friendly guide will teach you how to grow arugula indoors for fresh, flavorful greens whenever you want them.

Why Grow Arugula Indoors?

Arugula is one of the most rewarding greens to grow at home, especially if you love fresh salads and quick harvests.

• Fast-growing: Ready to harvest in just 3–4 weeks.

• Compact: Perfect for windowsills and small containers.

• Continuous harvests: Grows back quickly after cutting.

• Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and calcium.

Best Conditions for Growing Arugula Indoors

Arugula loves cool, bright conditions — very similar to spinach.

• Light: At least 5–6 hours of sunlight or 10–12 hours under grow lights.

• Temperature: 15–20°C (59–68°F) — cooler rooms are best.

• Soil: Loose, well-draining potting mix enriched with compost.

• Container: 6–8 inch deep container with good drainage.

 This Indoor Vegetable Potting Mix on Amazon works perfectly for fast-growing leafy greens like arugula.

Planting Arugula Indoors

Arugula grows best from seed and germinates quickly.

1. Sow seeds: Plant about ¼ inch deep and space 1 inch apart.
2. Thin seedlings: Once sprouts appear, thin to 2 inches apart for proper airflow.
3. Succession sowing: Replant seeds every 2 weeks for an endless supply of greens.

Caring for Indoor Arugula

Arugula is low-maintenance but benefits from consistent care.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.

• Feeding: Use a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks to boost leafy growth.

• Pruning: Harvest outer leaves regularly to prevent plants from bolting.

• Lighting: If leaves look pale or plants stretch upward, add a grow light.

 A Clip-On LED Grow Light from Amazon is perfect for compact leafy greens like arugula.

Harvesting Arugula Indoors

• Baby leaves: Ready in just 3 weeks after sowing.

• Mature leaves: Fully grown in 5–6 weeks.

• Cut-and-come-again: Trim outer leaves with scissors, leaving the center to regrow.

• Flavor tip: Harvest younger leaves for a mild taste and older ones for extra spice.

Best Arugula Varieties for Indoor Growing

• ‘Astro’ – Mild, fast-growing, great for small pots.

• ‘Rocket’ (Wild Arugula) – Stronger, spicier flavor.

• ‘Apollo’ – Compact and bolt-resistant.

• ‘Esmee’ – Smooth leaves, mild taste, ideal for salads.

Common Problems When Growing Arugula Indoors

• Bolting: Caused by heat or inconsistent watering. Keep conditions cool.

• Leggy growth: Not enough light. Move closer to a window or use grow lights.

• Yellow leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering or low nitrogen.

For further growing advice, see the Royal Horticultural Society’s leafy greens guide.

FAQs About Growing Arugula Indoors

1. How long does arugula take to grow indoors?
Baby leaves are ready in 3 weeks, and full leaves in about 6 weeks.

2. Can arugula grow indoors all year?
Yes — it grows best in cool conditions with steady light and moisture.

3. How often should I harvest arugula?
Every few days once mature — regular cutting encourages new growth.

Related Articles

• How to Grow Tarragon Indoors

• How to Grow Onions Indoors

• How to Grow Beetroots Indoors

Final Thoughts on Growing Arugula Indoors

Growing arugula indoors is one of the easiest ways to enjoy crisp, peppery greens straight from your windowsill. With just a bit of light, moisture, and care, you can harvest fresh leaves all year round. Start growing arugula today, and you’ll always have a supply of flavorful salad greens ready to pick.