Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description
Discover the vibrant zest of our organic Slow Bolt Arugula, a culinary delight known for its peppery bite and lush green foliage. This hardy variety is specially cultivated to resist bolting, allowing for an extended harvest period. With its compact growth habit, it reaches an ideal height of 12 to 18 inches, making it a versatile choice for both garden beds and containers.
Typically ready for harvest in just 40 days, Slow Bolt Arugula offers a quick turnaround for your kitchen needs. Its tender leaves are perfect for salads, garnishes, and sandwiches, adding a distinct, spicy flavor that invigorates any dish. As the leaves mature, they maintain their texture and taste, ensuring a consistent culinary experience.
Embrace the robust yield of this exceptional arugula, which thrives in cooler climates and can be sown successively for continuous production. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a kitchen enthusiast, Slow Bolt Arugula provides a reliable, flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire.
How to Sow and Plant — Slow Bolt Arugula
1. Choosing the Right Location
Light Requirements:
Slow Bolt Arugula performs best in full sun to partial shade, requiring about 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. In regions with intense heat, provide afternoon shade to keep leaves tender and prevent premature flowering.
Soil Requirements:
Prefers moist, well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 ensures healthy root development and steady leaf production.
Soil Preparation Tip:
Before sowing, loosen the top 6–8 inches of soil and mix in 2 inches of compost or aged manure. This builds fertility and improves structure, giving seedlings a strong start.
2. Starting Seeds Indoors (Optional)
Timing:
Sow seeds indoors 4–5 weeks before the last frost date for early transplants. However, Slow Bolt is ideally suited to direct sowing, thanks to its cold tolerance.
Containers and Medium:
Use shallow trays or cell packs filled with a fine, sterile seed-starting mix. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated.
Sowing Depth:
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and cover lightly with fine soil. Mist gently to avoid displacing seeds.
Germination Conditions:
Seeds germinate within 5–7 days at 60–70°F (16–21°C). Provide bright light after sprouting to prevent stretching.
3. Direct Sowing Outdoors
Timing:
Sow directly outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in early spring, typically 3–4 weeks before the last frost. For a continual harvest, repeat sowings every 2–3 weeks into early summer or again in late summer for a fall crop.
Sowing Depth:
Plant seeds ¼ inch deep and firm the soil gently after sowing. Keep the bed evenly moist until emergence.
Spacing:
Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart once established.
Space rows 10–12 inches apart for good airflow and easy harvesting.
For baby greens, broadcast seeds densely and harvest young.
4. Transplanting Seedlings
Timing:
Transplant seedlings when they are 2–3 inches tall and have developed 2–3 true leaves. Handle gently—roots are delicate.
Planting Depth:
Set transplants at the same depth they were grown in trays. Press soil around roots firmly and water immediately.
Hardening Off:
Before transplanting, harden off seedlings for 5–7 days by placing them outdoors gradually, starting with shade and increasing sun exposure daily.
5. Watering and Moisture Management
Initial Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Light daily watering may be necessary in warm or dry conditions.
Ongoing Watering:
Once plants are established, water deeply 2–3 times per week depending on weather. Consistent moisture prevents bitterness and keeps leaves tender.
Mulching:
Apply 1–2 inches of straw, compost, or shredded leaves around plants to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
6. Temperature and Climate Conditions
Slow Bolt Arugula was bred for heat resistance, thriving in cool to mild temperatures (45–75°F / 7–24°C).
It tolerates brief warmth better than most arugulas, making it ideal for extended spring and early summer production.
For fall crops, sow 4–6 weeks before the first expected frost for a rich, cool-weather harvest.
7. Fertility and Soil Feeding
Incorporate compost or a light application of balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5) before sowing.
Avoid excessive nitrogen—it encourages soft growth that’s prone to pests.
Top-dress with compost tea or worm castings every 3–4 weeks for steady nutrition and strong regrowth after cutting.
8. Succession Sowing for Continuous Harvest
Sow new beds every 2–3 weeks to ensure a steady supply of tender greens. Slow Bolt’s resistance to heat and bolting makes it excellent for succession planting through late spring.
9. Organic Pest Prevention at Planting
Protect seedlings with floating row covers during early growth to deter flea beetles and aphids.
Maintain clean beds and avoid planting near mustard or cabbage crops to reduce shared pest pressure.
Companion Planting Tip:
Grow near lettuce, radishes, or herbs like dill and cilantro, which attract beneficial insects and reduce pest populations.
Slow Bolt Arugula is the dependable choice for growers seeking flavor that endures through shifting temperatures—steady, resilient, and perfectly suited for continuous harvests.
How to Grow – Arugula ‘Slow Bolt’ (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa)
Watering
Maintain consistent moisture to prevent the leaves from turning bitter or tough. Provide about 1 inch of water weekly, increasing slightly in hot, dry weather.
Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to water deeply and evenly while keeping leaves dry to prevent fungal disease.
Mulch lightly once seedlings are established to lock in soil moisture and keep the root zone cool.
Tip: Even moisture and cool soil are key to delaying bolting and preserving ‘Slow Bolt’s’ tender, peppery leaves.
Fertilizing
Prepare soil before sowing with 2–3 inches of compost or aged manure worked into the top 6 inches.
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5 or 4-4-4) every 3–4 weeks to support continual growth without overstimulating leafy bulk.
Avoid high-nitrogen feeds—they accelerate growth at the expense of flavor and can make leaves watery.
Tip: Moderate feeding and good compost balance create the ideal spicy-sweet flavor for which ‘Slow Bolt’ is prized.
Weeding & Mulching
Weed lightly and frequently, especially when plants are young and roots are shallow.
After thinning or transplanting, apply 1–2 inches of fine mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or compost). This suppresses weeds, stabilizes temperature, and reduces watering frequency.
Tip: Mulch not only conserves moisture but also helps keep the soil cool, one of the best defenses against bolting.
Sun & Heat Management
‘Slow Bolt’ performs best in full sun to partial shade, depending on climate.
Ideal growing temperatures range from 45–75°F (7–24°C).
In hot weather, use 30–40% shade cloth or interplant with taller crops to provide filtered light.
Ample airflow minimizes mildew risk during humid periods.
Tip: Late spring or early fall sowings produce the most flavorful leaves, while shaded midsummer plantings help extend the season.
Spacing & Growth Pattern
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing plants 4–6 inches apart in rows 10–12 inches apart.
Harvest small baby leaves by cutting just above the crown or allow full maturity for larger bunching leaves.
Tip: Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest of fresh, spicy greens throughout the season.
Ecological Interplanting (Companion Strategy)
Pest deterrence: Grow near onions, chives, or mint to help repel flea beetles and aphids.
Pollinator and predator support: Interplant with dill, coriander, or calendula to attract lacewings and hoverflies that prey on common pests.
Rotation: Avoid planting in beds previously used for other Brassicas to reduce pest and soil disease buildup.
Tip: A diverse companion layout helps maintain soil vitality and reduces pest cycles naturally.
Container Growing
Arugula ‘Slow Bolt’ grows well in containers at least 6 inches deep with well-draining, fertile soil.
Keep evenly moist, especially during warm spells, and feed every 2–3 weeks with diluted organic fertilizer.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to promote continuous inner growth.
Tip: Containers are ideal for microclimate control—move to shaded areas during heat spikes to prevent early flowering.
Season Extension
‘Slow Bolt’ is especially suited for early spring and fall crops, with superior tolerance to temperature swings.
Use row covers or cold frames to start seeds earlier in spring or prolong harvest into late autumn.
In mild climates, plants can overwinter under light frost protection and regrow with vigor.
Tip: For year-round harvest, combine staggered sowings in open beds and cold frames with small container plantings indoors.
Harvest young leaves at 2–4 inches for tender, mild flavor, or at 5–6 inches for a spicier, more mature taste. Pick outer leaves regularly to extend the harvest period and delay flowering. For baby greens, harvest entire rosettes just above the crown.
‘Slow Bolt’ lives up to its name—its slower flowering habit allows for longer, continuous harvests in warm weather.
Tip: Regular harvesting encourages fresh regrowth and keeps plants productive even as temperatures rise.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
‘Slow Bolt’ delivers the classic peppery, nutty arugula flavor but with a smoother, less pungent finish than wild types. Its leaves are tender yet crisp, perfect for salads, sandwiches, or as a garnish.
It also holds up well under light cooking—toss into warm pasta, risotto, or atop pizza for a quick wilt that releases subtle, nutty aromatics.
Tip: Pair with lemon juice, shaved parmesan, and olive oil for a simple yet elegant salad that highlights its fresh, balanced bite.
Handling & Storage
Keep harvested leaves dry and cool for best shelf life. Store unwashed in a breathable bag or container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Refrigerate immediately and use within 5–7 days.
If leaves begin to wilt, soak in cold water for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Tip: Arugula stores longest when harvested in the early morning before the heat of the day sets in.
Growing & Maintenance
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; partial shade helps preserve tenderness and delay bolting.
Watering: Consistent moisture is essential—irregular watering produces bitter flavor and coarse texture.
Feeding: Apply compost or a balanced organic fertilizer (5-5-5) before planting; minimal additional feeding needed.
Weeding: Keep beds clean—arugula competes poorly with weeds due to its shallow roots.
Tip: Water early in the morning to reduce fungal pressure and help leaves dry quickly.
Seed Saving
Allow selected plants to flower and form seed pods. When pods dry and rattle, cut stalks and hang upside down to dry further. Once fully dry, crush pods gently to release seeds, then winnow and store in airtight jars or envelopes.
Seeds remain viable for 4–5 years under cool, dry conditions.
Tip: ‘Slow Bolt’ will cross readily with other arugula types—isolate by 500 feet or use blossom bags for purity.
Container Tips
Ideal for containers 6–8 inches deep. Use a light, fertile mix and keep evenly moist. Harvest outer leaves frequently to encourage compact growth. In hot climates, move containers to partial shade.
Tip: For patio gardens, companion with mint or basil to deter aphids and enhance growth.
Companion Planting
Pairs beautifully with carrots, beets, onions, and herbs like dill or chamomile. Avoid planting near cabbage or broccoli, which share similar pests. Its flowers attract hoverflies, bees, and lacewings that reduce aphid infestations.
Tip: Interplant with lettuce for a mixed harvest—arugula matures faster and shades young lettuce seedlings.
Extended Season Care
Sow successions every 2–3 weeks from early spring through late fall. ‘Slow Bolt’ tolerates moderate summer heat and mild frost. Use shade cloth in peak summer and row covers in cool seasons for extended harvests.
Tip: In Zones 7–10, lightly mulch over the crown after the final fall harvest—plants may overwinter and regrow in early spring.
Common Pests & Problems — 'Slow Bolt Arugula' (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa)Insects & MitesFlea Beetles (small holes in leaves, reduced growth)Controls: Use floating row covers to protect young plants. Apply diatomaceous earth around the base of plants. Introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae in the soil. Rotate crops to disrupt the life cycle.Cabbage Loopers (ragged holes in leaves, frass deposits)Controls: Handpick larvae and dispose of them. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as a biological control. Encourage natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps by planting companion plants such as dill and fennel.DiseasesDowny Mildew (yellow patches on leaves, white fungal growth on undersides)Controls: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately. Water at the base to keep foliage dry. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure. Remove and destroy infected plant debris.White Rust (white blisters on leaves, distorted growth)Controls: Practice crop rotation and avoid planting arugula in the same spot each year. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately. Apply sulfur-based fungicides to prevent spread.Physiological & Environmental IssuesBolting (premature flowering, bitter leaves)Controls: Plant in cooler weather to avoid heat stress. Use mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature. Select bolt-resistant varieties like 'Slow Bolt' to minimize risk.Monitoring & Prevention — Quick Checklist- Inspect plants regularly for signs of insect damage or disease.- Use row covers to protect young plants from pests.- Maintain proper spacing for air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.- Rotate crops annually to disrupt pest and disease cycles.- Water plants at the base to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk.- Apply organic pest controls like neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
Q: What makes Slow Bolt arugula different from other varieties?
A: ‘Slow Bolt’ was developed for extended harvests and improved heat tolerance. It resists premature flowering (bolting), allowing for longer leaf production and consistent flavor even as temperatures rise—perfect for growers in warmer regions or late-spring plantings.
Q: How long does Slow Bolt arugula take to mature?
A: It typically reaches baby-leaf stage in 20–25 days and full maturity around 35–40 days. Its slow bolting nature allows multiple harvests before flowering.
Q: What does it taste like?
A: ‘Slow Bolt’ maintains a classic arugula profile—peppery and nutty with a subtle tang—but its flavor stays balanced longer than most types, even under heat stress.
Q: Is Slow Bolt arugula heirloom or hybrid?
A: It’s an improved open-pollinated selection, not a hybrid. Seeds can be saved and replanted, preserving true-to-type characteristics.
Q: What temperatures are ideal for growing it?
A: Best growth occurs between 45–65°F (7–18°C). While tolerant of short warm spells, prolonged heat above 80°F (27°C) can still cause flowering. Partial shade helps extend productivity.
Q: What soil conditions does it prefer?
A: Loamy, well-draining soil rich in compost or aged organic matter. Moderate fertility produces flavorful leaves without excessive lushness.
Q: How should I water it?
A: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Drought stress intensifies bitterness and encourages bolting.
Q: Can Slow Bolt arugula be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it thrives in pots at least 6 inches deep. Container-grown plants may need daily watering during warm periods.
Q: How should I harvest it?
A: Snip outer leaves at 3–4 inches long or harvest the whole rosette by cutting just above the crown. Regular picking promotes regrowth and delays flowering.
Q: What are the best culinary uses for Slow Bolt arugula?
A: Excellent in fresh salads, sandwiches, and omelets, or as a topping for flatbreads and pasta. Its balanced heat and nutty aroma make it versatile for both raw and cooked dishes.
Arugula ‘Slow Bolt’ represents a thoughtful refinement of one of humanity’s oldest cultivated greens. While wild Eruca species once carpeted the stony hillsides of the Mediterranean basin, this modern strain was bred for endurance—resisting the early flowering (bolting) that often shortens arugula’s harvest window in warm weather. Its creation reflects generations of seed keepers and plant breeders seeking stability in a crop known for its speed and intensity.
Arugula has been grown for thousands of years, prized by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Persians alike for its peppery leaves and medicinal vitality. In Roman gardens, it was considered both an herb of passion and a food of the commons—sown between rows of vines and harvested fresh throughout spring and autumn. Over time, as trade and migration spread Mediterranean foodways northward, arugula adapted to cooler climates and diverse soils, giving rise to the milder, salad-type cultivars familiar today.
‘Slow Bolt’ was developed to preserve that authentic arugula flavor—nutty, peppery, and green—while offering resilience in modern gardens and markets. Its slower flowering cycle makes it ideal for longer harvests, allowing growers from temperate to subtropical zones to enjoy consistent, high-quality leaves well into summer.
To grow ‘Slow Bolt’ arugula is to participate in the enduring story of adaptation: a plant once wild and fleeting, now steadied by human hands, carrying forward its ancient taste into the rhythms of modern cultivation.
Select the healthiest, most uniform plants that truly demonstrate delayed bolting, tender leaves, and balanced, peppery flavor. As an open-pollinated annual, Slow Bolt Arugula will come true to type if isolated from other arugula varieties and wild mustard relatives by at least 800 feet.
Tag 10–15 plants early in the growing season. Favor those with vigorous growth, lush green leaves, and extended harvest duration before flowering. Avoid off-type plants that show early flower spikes or bitter leaves.
2. Harvesting Seeds
Once flowering begins, plants will produce small white blooms followed by elongated seed pods. Allow these pods to ripen on the plant until they turn tan and dry but harvest before they begin splitting naturally.
Cut entire seed stalks and hang them upside down in a shaded, well-ventilated location for 5–7 days to complete drying.
3. Threshing and Cleaning
When pods are crisp, crumble them between your hands or under light pressure to release seeds. Use a fine mesh screen or winnowing technique to remove chaff and debris.
Optional organic sanitation:
Rinse briefly in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (5 minutes), or
Dip in cooled chamomile tea for a mild antifungal effect.
Rinse and dry thoroughly afterward.
4. Drying Seeds
Spread seeds evenly on parchment, mesh, or ceramic in a shaded, airy area for 7–10 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat exceeding 95°F (35°C). Seeds are ready when hard and brittle, not pliable.
5. Storing Seeds
Store clean, fully dried seeds in airtight glass jars or paper envelopes with desiccant. Keep at a cool, dark, stable temperature between 35–45°F (1–7°C). Under proper storage, Slow Bolt Arugula seeds remain viable for 4–6 years.
Label clearly with the variety name, year saved, and any key observations such as “best bolt resistance” or “mild flavor.”
6. Testing Seed Viability
Place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag. Keep at 70–75°F (21–24°C) for 5–7 days.
8–10 sprouts = excellent viability
6–7 sprouts = acceptable
Fewer than 6 = resave next season
7. Preventing Cross-Pollination
Arugula is self-pollinating but can cross with other Eruca sativa cultivars and wild mustard relatives. To ensure purity:
Maintain 800 feet–¼ mile isolation distance from other flowering arugulas.
Use fine mesh blossom bags if space is limited.
Collect seed only from clearly isolated or bagged plants.
8. Record Keeping and Documentation
Document the following each year:
Flowering and bolt timing
Flavor profile and leaf characteristics
Number of seed pods harvested per plant
Germination test results and storage location
Tracking these notes builds a strong, regionally adapted Slow Bolt strain.
9. Organic Tips for Success
Rotate arugula away from Brassica crops for 2–3 years to avoid soilborne disease.
Compost pods and debris after threshing.
Avoid synthetic chemicals or seed coatings.
Encourage beneficial insects like lady beetles and hoverflies to maintain pollinator balance.
Re-save seed every few years to strengthen local adaptation and vigor.
Uses and Benefits — Slow Bolt Arugula (Eruca vesicaria var. sativa)
Culinary Uses
Slow Bolt Arugula is a refined, mild-flavored selection of the classic garden arugula, prized for its extended harvest window and tender leaves. It offers the traditional peppery taste of arugula with a smoother, less biting edge, making it perfect for both raw and cooked uses.
General Preparation Methods
Fresh Eating: Ideal for salads, sandwiches, and wraps where a milder arugula note is desired. Combine with spinach or romaine for a well-balanced green mix.
Cooking: Add to pizzas, pastas, or sautés at the end of cooking—its flavor gently intensifies without overpowering.
Soups & Sauces: Blend into creamy soups or pestos for a subtle nutty-green flavor and nutrient boost.
Pickling & Garnishing: Young leaves can even be lightly pickled or used fresh as a delicate garnish.
Nutritional Benefits
Slow Bolt Arugula offers a full range of essential nutrients while being low in calories and high in antioxidants.
Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K for immune, skin, and bone health.
Minerals: Contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium for electrolyte balance and heart function.
Antioxidants: Glucosinolates and flavonoids promote detoxification and cellular defense.
Digestive Health: High fiber content supports digestion and metabolism.
The mild taste encourages frequent use, promoting steady nutrient intake throughout the growing season.
Cultural and Practical Benefits
Developed for warmer regions or extended seasons, Slow Bolt Arugula embodies both ease of cultivation and culinary reliability.
Heat Resistance: Bolts more slowly than standard types, ensuring longer harvest windows.
Garden Versatility: Performs well in containers, raised beds, and hydroponic systems.
Culinary Dependability: Favored by chefs for consistent leaf size and flavor.
Everyday Benefits and Kitchen Versatility
Adds freshness to sandwiches and paninis.
Blends smoothly into smoothies and green juices.
Serves as a gentle base green under bold toppings like roasted vegetables or citrus vinaigrettes.
Maintains tenderness even after refrigeration.
Tip: Harvest frequently to encourage new growth and keep the flavor mild.
Environmental and Garden Benefits
Pollinator Attraction: Small white flowers attract bees and beneficial insects.
Crop Rotation: Works well between larger crops as a quick, soil-building green manure.
Slow Bolt Arugula proves that endurance and delicacy can coexist—balancing taste, resilience, and continuous yield.
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Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
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Alliance of Native Seedkeepers
Arugula Seeds - Slow Bolt
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description
Discover the vibrant zest of our organic Slow Bolt Arugula, a culinary delight known for its peppery bite and lush green foliage. This hardy variety is specially cultivated to resist bolting, allowing for an extended harvest period. With its compact growth habit, it reaches an ideal height of 12 to 18 inches, making it a versatile choice for both garden beds and containers.
Typically ready for harvest in just 40 days, Slow Bolt Arugula offers a quick turnaround for your kitchen needs. Its tender leaves are perfect for salads, garnishes, and sandwiches, adding a distinct, spicy flavor that invigorates any dish. As the leaves mature, they maintain their texture and taste, ensuring a consistent culinary experience.
Embrace the robust yield of this exceptional arugula, which thrives in cooler climates and can be sown successively for continuous production. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a kitchen enthusiast, Slow Bolt Arugula provides a reliable, flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire.
