RUCOLA SELVATICA (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) also known as Wall Rocket, Roquette Sauvage and Wild Rocket. This is the authentic, wild Italian heirloom arugula for adding that distinctively aromatic, zesty pepper flavor to salads. In the mustard family, it is sharper and more pungent in flavor and aroma than regular cultivated arugula and is often used more as an herb than a green. Folks who like spicy foods will love this flavorful green. When I was young, I called this the "stinky" grass and couldn't stand it. Now, I simply adore it mixed with milder greens, goat cheese, apple and pecans and a light vinaigrette! After it has provided delicious greens, it produces an abundance of pretty yellow flowers before going to seed (see photo 2), so put it in the front of your vegetable/mixed border. Arugula flowers and stems are the latest craze in upscale gourmet markets and very healthy! In addition to a wealth of vitamins, A recent study at the University of East Anglia found that a compound in arugula called sulforaphane can help prevent and slow cartilage damage and osteoarthritis. Annual. 50 days. 100 seeds.
GROWING TIPS: Direct sow short rows in sunny location, 1/4" deep and 1" apart every 20-30 days during cooler spring and fall. Do not thin. In milder climates, fall sown arugula may overwinter. Can also be successfully container grown. It will self-sow so when pods are dry simply bag the plant or tilt over a box while raking the pods open to release the seeds. They are fragile and will shed seed easily.
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