~ approx 250 seeds Eruca sativa Origin: Ein Abu AlHarith Grown by: Plant Good Seed Company This beautiful Palestinian arugula (known simply as "jarjiir", which means arugula in Arabic) comes from deep in the hills of the UNESCO World Heritage village of Battir at a place called Ein Abu-El-Harth ("the spring of the plowman") in the occupied West Bank. This is a spicy, strongly-flavored arugula, excellent for salads (often served with fresh onions and wild-harvested sumac). It's typically found raw as a side dish next to lentil soup and other Palestinian dishes, especially in winter — when the plant is at its best. Palestinians (among others) consider arugula an aphrodisiac, particularly beneficial for those who lack adequate stamina to keep up with their partner in the bedroom! Usually planted in late summer or fall for production through Palestine's relatively mild winter, it can be succession-sowed during the spring and early summer as well (but it has a short harvest window in the warm months, quickly going to flower and ceasing leaf production). Growing instructions for Turtle Island: In Palestine, jarjiir is typically planted in late summer or fall for production through Palestine’s relatively mild winter. In Turtle Island, seeds can be succession sowed in spring and early summer or late summer into fall. Plant seeds ¼” deep, 1 inch apart in rows 8-12” apart. You can also broadcast and rake seeds in. Keep seeds watered until germination. Crowded seedlings can be frequently harvested as baby greens that can be harvested after 21 days (and will likely grow back) or thinned 4-6” apart for full heads with mature plants expected in approximately 44 days.
