Arugula leaves can be harvested once they are about 2-3 inches long, which can be as soon as 2-3 weeks after the plants germinate under ideal conditions. Cut individual leaves or pull up whole plants. The leaves are best when young, but they retain good flavor until the plant starts to bolt.

Does arugula grow back after picking?

To harvest, cut arugula at the base of each leaf off the main stem. You can decide for yourself when the leaf is big enough. For a mellow, spicy flavor and a tender green, harvest when the leaves are young — about three to four inches. ... Arugula will grow back once cut, so don't pull the stems.

How do you harvest arugula so it keeps growing?

You can wait to harvest leaves when they get larger, but harvesting the young leaves encourages the plant to continue producing new leaves for several months. Pinch or cut the outer leaves with scissors just above the soil. You can cut up to one-third of the outer leaves at once or harvest a few leaves at a time.