Arugula/Rucola Selvatica-Wild Arugula

Arugula Selvatica means Wild Arugula. Compared to Cultivated Arugula, it is slower growing, ready in about 50 days, with more deeply lobed leaves and a more pungent flavor. This is the type of Arugula (also called Rucola or Rocket) that grows wild in the countryside around Rome. Seeds of Arugula selvatica are much smaller than Arugula Coltivata seeds, so the packet weight is smaller but still contains a similar number of seeds. Arugula selvatica has 3,000 seeds per gram. Our 3-gram packet is about 9,000 seeds.

Arugula has been grown since Roman times, reputedly as an aphrodisiac, and is used widely in Italian cuisine. It's great as a salad ingredient, or simply eaten alone with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. In Italy, it is often wilted over hot pizza or in pasta just before serving. Ischia, an island in the Bay of Naples, has a traditional digestif liqueur made from arugula, called rucolino. Arugula pesto is made just like basil pesto, and is a good substitute when the weather is too cold for basil. Arugula survives low temperatures and is usually the first and last salad green in the garden. Under row cover, it will survive all but the coldest winters.

Sprinkle seeds about an inch apart. Replant frequently for a long season of harvest.   Arugula fans must try this one. This is the real deal, with delicately serrated leaves and a stronger, more pungent arugala flavor. Great mixed in with a salad or on its own.