How to Grow Arugula (Runway) Selezione Italiana
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Arugula (Runway) Selezione Italiana
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableRunway Selezione Italiana is an Italian heirloom arugula variety prized for its deeply lobed, tender leaves and bold, peppery flavor. This fast-growing leafy green is perfect for fresh salads, pesto, and quick cooking. It thrives in cool seasons and can be harvested in as little as 30-40 days from seed.
When should you plant Arugula (Runway) Selezione Italiana in your zone?
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Example Arugula (Runway) Selezione Italiana timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Arugula (Runway) Selezione Italiana
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Arugula (Runway) Selezione Italiana
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; prefers cool-season growing in spring and fall
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Get my Arugula (Runway) Selezione Italiana timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTiny cotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves with distinctive lobed edges. Seedlings are delicate and light green.
Keep soil moist and provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once first true leaves appear. Protect from slugs and harsh conditions.
Vegetative Growth
14-25 daysPlant develops characteristic deeply lobed, feathery leaves. Foliage becomes more robust and develops the signature peppery aroma.
Water consistently, provide cool conditions (60-70°F ideal), and fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture and cool soil. Begin light harvesting of outer leaves.
Leaf Development & Harvest
5-15 days (harvest window)Mature leaves reach 4-6 inches long with full peppery flavor. Plant is ready for full harvest when leaves are tender and vibrant green.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage bushiness and delay bolting. Continue consistent watering. Avoid heat stress; provide afternoon shade in warm seasons.
Bolting
3-7 days (onset)Flower stalks emerge from the center as temperatures rise or daylength increases. Leaves become tougher and more intensely peppery.
Once bolting begins, quality declines rapidly. Harvest remaining leaves or allow to flower for seed production. Consider succession planting for continuous harvest.
Flowering & Seed Production
20-30 days to seed maturitySmall yellow flowers appear on tall stalks. Self-pollinates and produces seed pods with viable seeds for next season.
Leave plants undisturbed if saving seed. Allow pods to brown and dry on plant, then collect and store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on seedlings, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, plant trap crops like nasturtium, maintain good air circulation
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and
Remove manually at dusk, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth around plants, encourage predators like ground beetles
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Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), row covers on young plants, handpick caterpillars, maintain crop rotation
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Strong water spray to dislodge, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, remove affected leaves, ensure adequate spacing, apply sulfur dust if severe
Uses
Fresh Salads & Greens
CulinaryRunway Selezione Italiana's tender, deeply lobed leaves are ideal raw in salads where their distinctive peppery bite adds complexity. The Italian heritage makes it especially suited to Mediterranean salad preparations with olive oil, citrus, and cheese. [source]
Pesto & Sauces
CulinaryThe bold, peppery flavor of this variety makes exceptional pesto when blended with garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and olive oil. It can also be used as a green base for creamy sauces and soups. [source]
Sautéed & Cooked Greens
CulinaryYounger leaves can be lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil as a nutritious side dish. Mature leaves become even more peppery and work well in pasta dishes, risotto, and pizzas. [source]
Nutritional & Digestive Support
MedicinalArugula contains glucosinolates and isothiocyanates with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Historically used to support digestion and as a general tonic. [source]
Microgreens Production
HouseholdRunway Selezione Italiana seeds can be sprouted indoors as microgreens, ready to harvest in 10-14 days with concentrated peppery flavor and nutritional density. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 3-4 inches tall, typically 25-35 days after sowing. For tender, mild leaves harvest in early morning when cool. Cut leaves at soil level or pinch outer leaves to encourage continued growth. Regular harvesting delays bolting. For maximum peppery flavor, harvest just before bolting begins. Entire plant can be harvested at once by cutting 1-2 inches above soil line; it may regrow for a second harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Arugula has been cultivated in Italy and the Mediterranean for thousands of years and was considered an aphrodisiac in ancient Rome, sometimes called 'rocket' in British English.
- 🌱 The distinctive peppery taste comes from glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds also found in broccoli and cabbage that have been studied for potential cancer-fighting properties.
- 🌱 Runway Selezione Italiana is an Italian heirloom variety, meaning it reproduces true-to-type from seed and has been selected and preserved for specific characteristics over many generations.
Gardening Terms
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