Arugula (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa) is a popular leafy green valued for its distinctive peppery flavor. Gardeners cultivate it for fresh salads and other culinary uses. Like many leafy vegetables, arugula eventually transitions from producing tender leaves to developing flowers. This natural progression is part of its life cycle, marking a shift in the plant’s energy.
Why Arugula Plants Flower
Arugula plants flower as a result of “bolting.” Bolting occurs when the plant shifts its energy from leafy growth to reproductive growth, aiming to produce seeds. Environmental factors can trigger this change, including increasing temperatures and longer daylight hours. Stressors like insufficient water or crowded growing conditions can also prompt bolting prematurely.
Once arugula begins to bolt, it sends up a tall central stalk that develops flowers. This process significantly alters the taste and texture of the leaves, making them more bitter and tougher. The plant prioritizes seed production, diverting resources from leaf development.
Are Arugula Flowers Edible
Arugula flowers are edible and offer a mild, peppery flavor less intense than the leaves. These delicate blossoms, often white with purple veins, add visual appeal to dishes. Their soft texture makes them suitable for various culinary applications.
They are commonly used as a garnish for salads, sandwiches, or pestos, providing a subtle arugula flavor. Arugula flowers also contain vitamins like A and C, along with potassium. They are best enjoyed fresh, as they are perishable once picked.
What to Do With Flowering Arugula
When arugula plants begin to flower, gardeners have several options depending on their goals. You can continue to harvest, encourage more leafy growth, or allow the plant to go to seed for future planting. Each approach offers different benefits and requires specific actions.
Harvesting Leaves and Flowers
Even after an arugula plant starts to flower, you can still harvest its leaves, though they will be more bitter and tougher. You can also harvest the flowers, which are edible and can be used as a garnish or in other dishes. When harvesting leaves, cut the older, outer leaves at the base of the plant, leaving the central, younger leaves to continue developing.
Encouraging More Growth
To extend the leafy harvest, you can slow down the bolting process. Pinching off developing flower stalks can encourage the plant to produce more leaves. Providing partial shade during hot periods helps reduce heat stress, a common trigger for bolting. Consistent watering helps, as dry soil can stress the plant and accelerate bolting. These methods offer a temporary reprieve, but they will not stop the plant’s natural reproductive cycle indefinitely.
Collecting Seeds
Allowing arugula plants to fully flower and go to seed is a way to collect seeds for future planting. After flowering, small green seed pods form along the stem. These pods dry out and turn brown, indicating seed maturity. Once the pods are dry and rattle when shaken, cut the stalks and collect the seeds by crumbling the pods. Store the harvested seeds in a cool, dry place to ensure viability for the next growing season.