Arugula
Eruca vesicaria
Overview
Arugula is an ideal crop for Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) systems due to its small root system and rapid turnover rate. It prefers cooler water temperatures and lower nutrient concentrations compared to heavy feeders like kale or tomatoes. In an NFT setup, it produces tender, clean leaves with a milder flavor than soil-grown counterparts.
Growing Requirements
pH Range
6 - 7
EC Range
0.8 - 1.4 mS/cm
TDS Range
400 - 700 ppm
Temperature
15°C - 24°C
Light Requirement
Medium (12 hours/day)
Nutrient Needs
Growth Timeline
Germination
1-3 daysSeeds germinate very quickly. Keep the growing medium moist and in the dark until sprouts appear.
Seedling
10-14 daysTrue leaves begin to form. Once roots emerge from the propagation plug, transplant into the NFT channels.
Vegetative Growth
14-25 daysRapid leaf expansion occurs. Ensure nutrient flow is constant but shallow to oxygenate roots.
Common Issues & Solutions
Bolting
- Elongated central stem
- Flowering
- Bitter taste
- Temperatures too high (water or air)
- Day length too long
- Water stress
- Keep reservoir temperature below 20°C
- Harvest early
- Ensure consistent water flow
Tip Burn
- Brown, necrotic edges on young leaves
- Calcium deficiency
- High humidity preventing transpiration
- Stagnant air
- Increase airflow over the canopy
- Check pH to ensure Calcium uptake
- Lower humidity
Pythium (Root Rot)
- Brown, slimy roots
- Wilting leaves
- Musty smell
- Water temperature above 24°C
- Low dissolved oxygen
- Use a water chiller
- Add air stones to the reservoir
- Use beneficial bacteria supplements
Harvesting Guide
When to Harvest
Harvest baby greens as early as 3 weeks, or full size at 4-5 weeks when leaves are 3-6 inches long.
How to Harvest
For 'cut-and-come-again', trim the outer leaves leaving the center crown intact. For a single harvest, cut the entire plant at the base of the rockwool cube.
Storage Tips
Wash immediately in cold water, spin dry thoroughly, and store in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Lasts 5-7 days.
Expected Yield
High; approximately 0.5 to 1 lb per square foot depending on planting density.
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