Overview
Eruca is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Eruca, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Eruca grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants and low maintenance.
About
Eruca, commonly known as rocket salad, Italian cress, roquette, or arugula, is a bushy annual or biennial herb in the Brassicaceae family. It features creamy-white flowers with purple veins and yellow stamens. This deciduous plant thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade and is hardy to UK zone H4. Suitable for various garden aspects and soil types, it is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, patios, and containers. Propagation is by seed, with interest during summer and autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eruca
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Eruca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eruca
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Eruca?
Eruca prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Eruca need?
Eruca is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Eruca hardy in the UK?
Eruca has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Eruca?
Propagate by seed.