When was the right harvest time?
In good weather and warm summer temperatures, the rocket grows so quickly that it can be harvested just 3 weeks after sowing. The leaves are still in the seedling stage and have a particularly mild taste.
also read
- Rocket in bloom - what now?
- Is arugula really poisonous?
- Drying arugula - the right method and practical tips
After 6 weeks at the latest, the rocket has grown to such an extent that the harvest will not be successful any longer. In general, the leaves should be around 10 cm in size. If you span a length of 15 cm, your taste develops more and more bitter and spicy.
The best time to harvest the arugula is in the afternoon and on sunny days. Then its nitrate content is lower. Furthermore, for reasons of taste, consistency and your own health, it is important not to harvest it during or after flowering.
How is the rocket harvested?
As a rule, individual leaves are plucked from the rocket or an entire collection of leaves is cut off with scissors or a sharp knife. Rucola and its roots are rarely harvested.
Depending on how and when you harvest the rocket, its taste is different. Decide how you like arugula better:
- young leaves: mild
- older leaves: sharp
- without stem: nutty, tender
- with stem: slightly bitter, nutty
Keep your eyes open even after the harvest
Arugula can be harvested without any problems until the end of September. Immediately after harvest it should either be eaten or find a place in the refrigerator. When stored in the refrigerator, it should ideally be wrapped in a damp cloth. It stays there for a few days and the quality does not suffer noticeably.
In addition to the leaves, the flowers (for consumption and decoration) and the seeds (for further sowing) can be harvested from the rocket. The flowers are present in July and the seeds during the following weeks.
Tips & Tricks
You don't want to harvest arugula just once, but are happy when a second or third harvest is in prospect? Then don't cut the rocket too deep. Let the leaf stalks stand to encourage it to sprout again.
