Allowing arugula to go to seed is a great way to ensure a continuous supply of this delicious leafy green in your garden year after year. When you let arugula plants flower and complete their self-seeding cycle, you give them the opportunity to produce seeds that will germinate and grow new plants in the following seasons. This natural process not only saves you time and effort in planting new arugula each year but also adds a touch of nature’s magic to your garden.
When arugula plants are left to flower, they produce clusters of small, delicate white flowers. These flowers are not only beautiful but also serve as a vital source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. By allowing your arugula to flower, you are providing a valuable food source for these beneficial insects, which in turn helps support overall garden health and biodiversity.
Once the flowers have been pollinated, they will start to produce seed pods. These elongated pods contain the arugula seeds, which are tiny and dark brown in color. It’s important to let the seed pods mature and dry out on the plant before collecting them. This usually takes a few weeks, and you’ll know the pods are ready when they turn brown and begin to crack open.
When the seed pods are dry and ready, gently collect them and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to sow them. You can simply scatter the seeds in your garden or in a designated arugula bed, lightly cover them with soil, and water gently. Alternatively, you can also start the seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost date and transplant the seedlings into your garden once they are strong enough.
By allowing arugula to go to seed, you may notice some arugula plants popping up in unexpected places in your garden, thanks to the wind or birds carrying the seeds. While this may seem like a bit of a wild card, it can also be a delightful surprise to find arugula sprouting in different corners of your garden. You can always transplant these seedlings to more desired locations or thin them out if they become overcrowded.
In my own experience, I’ve found that letting arugula go to seed not only ensures a continuous supply of this peppery green but also adds an element of spontaneity and natural beauty to my garden. I love seeing the delicate white flowers swaying in the breeze and the eventual emergence of new arugula plants in unexpected places.
If you want to have arugula popping up in your garden the following year without the need for replanting, it’s definitely worth letting some of your arugula plants flower and complete their self-seeding cycle. Not only does this save you time and effort, but it also supports pollinators and adds a touch of natural beauty to your garden. So go ahead and embrace the cycle of nature by allowing your arugula to go to seed!
