Astro Organic Salad Arugula Seed

Astro Organic Salad Arugula is a fast-growing, cold-tolerant variety known for its tender, mild leaves and peppery flavor. Grown from certified organic seeds, this arugula variety is perfect for gardeners looking for a flavorful addition to salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. With its crisp texture and mild, nutty flavor, Astro Arugula is ideal for growing in cooler climates and can be harvested quickly.

Key Benefits

• Mild, Nutty Flavor: Offers a less intense flavor than traditional arugula varieties, making it more suitable for fresh salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
• Fast-Growing: Ideal for gardeners looking for a quick harvest, Astro Arugula matures in as little as 30 days.
• Cold-Tolerant: Thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for spring and fall planting, or even for overwintering in mild climates.
• Organic and Chemical-Free: Grown from certified organic seeds, ensuring a pesticide-free crop.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Can be used in a variety of dishes, from fresh salads and wraps to smoothies and stir-fries.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Astro Arugula plants are compact, with dark green, lobed leaves that are tender and easy to harvest.
• Flavor Profile: Offers a mild peppery flavor with a subtle nutty undertone, less intense than other arugula varieties.
• Growth Habit: A quick-growing, bushy plant that forms rosettes of leaves ideal for frequent harvesting.
• Size: Reaches about 6–10 inches in height at maturity, with the leaves harvested when young and tender for the best flavor.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Best Time to Plant: Astro Arugula thrives in cooler weather and is ideal for planting in early spring or fall. It can also be grown in mild winter conditions in warmer climates.
• Temperature: Grows best in temperatures between 45°F–75°F (7°C–24°C), making it suitable for cooler growing seasons.

Planting Details

• Planting Depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 1–2 inches apart for individual plants, with rows about 8–12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. It thrives in soil rich in organic matter.
• Light: Requires full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.

Care Instructions

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Avoid waterlogging, as it can cause root rot. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.
• Temperature: Arugula prefers cooler temperatures, so protect it from extreme heat, which can cause it to bolt (go to seed prematurely).
• Fertilization: Although Astro Arugula is not heavy on nutrient needs, applying a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time can promote healthy growth.
• Weeding: Regularly weed the growing area to prevent competition for nutrients. Use mulch around the plants to help suppress weeds.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Astro Arugula is ready to harvest in about 30–40 days after sowing, depending on growing conditions.
• Size: For tender leaves, harvest when the plants are about 4–6 inches tall.
• Method: Snip the outer leaves with scissors or garden shears, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. You can also harvest the entire plant for a quick cut-and-come-again crop.

Storage

• Fresh Storage: Freshly harvested Astro Arugula can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week. Keep it in a damp paper towel to maintain freshness.
• Long-Term Storage: For longer-term storage, you can freeze arugula, although the texture may change upon thawing. Alternatively, dry the leaves to create arugula powder for later use.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Use fresh Astro Arugula leaves in salads for a mild peppery flavor.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Add to sandwiches, wraps, or burgers for a fresh crunch.
• Smoothies: Blend into smoothies for a nutritional boost without overwhelming flavor.
• Stir-Fries: Toss into stir-fries or soups at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate texture.
• Garnishes: Use as a garnish for roasted meats, eggs, or pasta dishes.

Conclusion

Astro Organic Salad Arugula is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a flavorful, easy-to-grow green that thrives in cooler weather. Its mild, nutty flavor makes it perfect for fresh dishes, while its quick growth and cold tolerance make it a versatile option for multiple growing seasons. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this organic arugula variety will provide a quick, nutritious addition to your garden and kitchen.