Arugula , also known as projectile or rucola , is a various and saporous leafy common that has gained popularity in New Zealand garden and kitchens . With its peppery taste and nutritionary benefits , arugula is a fantastic addition to salads , sandwiches , and various culinary creations . To successfully grow arugula in New Zealand , it is essential to understand the optimum planting time and conditions .

The nation ’s divers climate , ranging from subtropical in the north to temperate in the south , means that the ideal planting window may vary across regions . In this clause , we will research the best time to plant arugula in New Zealand , taking into report the different climatic zones and providing worthful crest to ensure a bountiful harvest .

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a tyro , this pathfinder will avail you cultivate flourish arugula plants and delight the fresh , vibrant flavor they pop the question .

arugula seedlings

Best varieties of Arugula to grow in New Zealand

In New Zealand , the climate is generally suitable for growing garden rocket ( also known as rocket ) throughout the twelvemonth . Here are a few sort that run to perform well in New Zealand conditions :

Remember to provide arugula with well - draining dirt , veritable watering , and partial refinement during red-hot summertime months to forestall bolt . to boot , consider succession plant to ascertain a uninterrupted supply of saucy arugula throughout the twelvemonth .

When to plant Arugula in New Zealand

The best fourth dimension to plant arugula in New Zealand is during the coolheaded months , from previous summer to other fall ( February to April ) and again in other springtime ( September to October ) . Arugula prefers mild temperatures and can abscond or go to seed quickly in hot weather . Planting during these cool period will aid check optimal growth and prevent premature unfolding . Additionally , Eruca vesicaria sativa is a tight - growing harvest , so you may also moot succession planting every few weeks to have a continuous harvest time throughout the year .

When to harvest Arugula in New Zealand

Arugula , also known as rocket or rucola , can be reap in New Zealand throughout the year , but the ideal fourth dimension for harvesting depends on the produce conditions and your personal predilection .

In general , Eruca vesicaria sativa is a nerveless - season harvest that favor mild temperature . It grows best in bound and autumn when temperatures are between 10 - 20 ° deoxycytidine monophosphate ( 50 - 68 ° F ) . During these season , the leaves are tender and have a milder flavor .

If you are growing arugula in a warmer region of New Zealand , you may still harvest it during the summer month , but the farewell may become more bitter and the plant may bolt ( go to semen ) quickly . To forestall beetle off , you may provide some shade or grow arugula in a part shaded expanse .

For a continuous harvesting , you may rehearse cut - and - hail - again harvesting . This involves write out the out leaves of the plant when they contact a suitable sizing , allowing the intimate leaves to stay growing . This way of life , you could harvest arugula leaves at any stage of growth , from baby leaf to mature ones .

Remember to harvest garden rocket in the morning when the leaves are frosty and full of wet . Simply rationalise the leaves off at the base of the flora , leave the central growing stop entire for regrowth .

Other considerations

When produce arugula in New Zealand , there are a few important considerations to keep in creative thinker :

By considering these factors , you may successfully spring up arugula in New Zealand and enjoy its peppery feeling in your salads and dishful .