1 pack - 50 seeds
To germinate and grow Astro arugula seeds successfully, follow these steps:
Pre-soaking the Seeds:
Place the arugula seeds in a shallow dish or cup filled with room temperature water. Let them soak for about 4-6 hours. Pre-soaking can help speed up germination by softening the seed coat.
Prepare Seed Trays or Pots:
Fill seed trays or small pots with a seed-starting mix. Make sure the mix is well-draining and sterile to prevent damping off and other seedling diseases.
Sowing the Seeds:
After pre-soaking, plant the arugula seeds in the prepared trays or pots. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and space them evenly apart, typically 1-2 inches apart.
Watering:
Moisten the soil lightly after planting. Use a gentle spray or mist to avoid displacing the seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period.
Germination Conditions:
Arugula seeds germinate best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). You can cover the seed trays or pots with a plastic dome or plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect, which helps retain moisture and warmth.
Lighting:
Arugula seeds do not require light for germination, but once they sprout, they need plenty of light to grow healthy. Place the seed trays or pots in a bright location, such as a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.
Thinning:
Once the arugula seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them to provide adequate spacing. Leave the strongest and healthiest seedlings, typically spacing them 4-6 inches apart.
Transplanting (Optional):
If you started the seeds in seed trays, you can transplant the seedlings into larger containers or the garden once they have at least two sets of true leaves. Handle the seedlings carefully to avoid damaging the roots.
Watering and Feeding:
Continue to water the arugula seedlings regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
If using a seed starting mix without added nutrients, you can start fertilizing with a diluted liquid fertilizer once the seedlings have established themselves.
Hardening Off:
If you plan to transplant the seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by exposing them to sunlight and outdoor temperatures for increasing periods each day. Start with a few hours and gradually increase the time over a week or so.
Planting Outdoors:
When the seedlings are around 3-4 weeks old and have been hardened off, transplant them into the garden bed or containers prepared with fertile, well-draining soil.
By following these steps, you can successfully germinate and grow Astro arugula seeds into healthy seedlings ready for transplanting or direct outdoor planting."