Arugula microgreens are quick, flavorful and well suited to small indoor trays. The seed is tiny, so success depends more on even sowing and moisture control than on special equipment.
Do not soak tiny arugula seed
Arugula seed hydrates quickly in moist media. Pre-soaking usually makes it harder to distribute evenly.
Use a smooth, level seedbed
Fine seed exposes every low spot in a tray. Level the medium and scatter seed across the entire surface instead of concentrating it in rows or clumps.
Keep early moisture gentle
Mist or otherwise moisten carefully during germination so seed is not washed into piles. Covered germination helps hold moisture near the surface.
Give it light promptly
Once established, move the crop into even light. Delayed light can produce unnecessary stretch.
Watch density and airflow
Arugula forms a dense canopy quickly. Avoid extreme seed density and keep gentle air circulation around the tray.
Harvest for flavor as well as size
The crop develops its recognizable peppery character young. Harvest cleanly above the medium when the canopy is full and tender.
Related: Best Microgreens for Beginners and Seed Density Guide.
Sources: University of Maryland Extension; Penn State Extension.
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