Arugula
Eruca vesicaria
Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
Arugula vs Spinach: Fast-Growing Salad Greens for Containers
Comparing arugula and spinach for container salad gardens. Learn which leafy green is faster, easier, and better for fresh eating.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🥬Arugula | 🥬Spinach | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | easy | Arugula |
| Days to Harvest | 30 days | 40 days | Arugula |
| Container Size | 6 inch pot | 6 inch pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | partial sun | partial sun | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | high | - |
| Yield | Similar | Similar | Tie |
| Beginner-Friendly | ⭐ Yes | Moderate | Arugula |
Key Differences
Flavor Profile
Peppery, nutty, bold. Distinctive and assertive.
Mild, slightly sweet, earthy. Versatile and neutral.
Days to Harvest
21-28 days for baby leaves. Extremely fast.
28-35 days for baby leaves. Slightly slower.
Heat Tolerance
Bolts quickly above 75°F but stays edible longer when bolting.
Bolts above 75°F and becomes bitter quickly.
Cooking Uses
Primarily raw. Wilts quickly when cooked. Best fresh.
Excellent cooked or raw. Versatile for sauteing, smoothies.
Bolt Behavior
Flowers are edible with same peppery flavor.
Becomes bitter and unusable once bolted.
Germination Speed
5-7 days. Very reliable germination.
7-14 days. Slower, sometimes spotty germination.
Best for Arugula
Choose Arugula if:
- You love peppery, distinctive flavors
- You want the fastest salad greens (21-30 days)
- You enjoy bold, assertive salads
- You want easy succession planting
- You prefer Mediterranean and Italian cuisine
Best for Spinach
Choose Spinach if:
- You prefer mild, sweet greens
- You want versatile cooking greens
- You make smoothies regularly
- You need higher iron content
- You enjoy classic salad flavors
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Arugula and spinach are perfect salad container companions. Both are cool-season crops with similar needs. Mix seeds for a custom salad blend, or plant separately for distinct harvest timing.
The Bottom Line
Arugula
Choose arugula for the fastest harvest, bold peppery flavor, easy germination, and if you love distinctive, assertive salad greens.
Spinach
Choose spinach for mild versatile flavor, excellent nutrition, cooking flexibility, and classic salad greens that work in smoothies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Arugula or Spinach?
Arugula is generally easier to grow in containers. It requires less maintenance and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Which grows faster: Arugula or Spinach?
Arugula reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 30 days compared to 40 days for Spinach.
Can I grow Arugula and Spinach together?
Yes! Arugula and spinach are perfect salad container companions. Both are cool-season crops with similar needs. Mix seeds for a custom salad blend, or plant separately for distinct harvest timing.
Which needs less space: Arugula or Spinach?
Both Arugula and Spinach have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Arugula or Spinach?
Both Arugula and Spinach produce comparable yields when grown in proper conditions.
Which is better for beginners: Arugula or Spinach?
Arugula is more beginner-friendly due to its forgiving nature and easier care requirements. It's a great first plant for new container gardeners.
What are the main differences between Arugula and Spinach?
The key differences include: flavor profile, days to harvest, heat tolerance. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Arugula or Spinach for my balcony?
Choose arugula for the fastest harvest, bold peppery flavor, easy germination, and if you love distinctive, assertive salad greens. Choose spinach for mild versatile flavor, excellent nutrition, cooking flexibility, and classic salad greens that work in smoothies. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Arugula Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Arugula in containers.
Complete Spinach Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Spinach in containers.
Browse All Plants
Explore our complete database of container-friendly plants.
More Comparisons
Compare other popular container plants side-by-side.
Plan Your Perfect Container Garden
Use our AI-powered garden planner to create a custom container garden plan with Arugula, Spinach, or both, optimized for your specific space, climate, and experience level.
Try AI Garden Planner