Wow - bunch of new responses. Where have I been? nygardener - I wonder if the clay has something to do with it. I've heard that Arugula has a lot of calcium in it. Maybe it likes a more minerally soil? When you buy it at the store, there tends to be some sand on it, but I don't generally add sand to my soil (which, last year and this,is mostly mushroom compost). Feijoas - None of my arugula has jumped ship. I let a lot of it go to seed last year - the flowers actually tasted better than the leaves- but I don't seem to have any volunteers anywhere. Natal - Some arugula is spicy but also has a deeper, rich green flavor. Some arugula is just spicy, but not much else. Or at least that's what my tastebuds think.

See I am not familar with your plant at all. From what I have learned about seeds though it needs to be on the plant long enough for it to be ripe. Some seeds come from the flowers some put off seed pods. The link I posted earlier explains all about ripening of the seed pods. It explains it way better than I can attempt to explain it. From what I gather if they are still green when you pull up your plant then I would say no they wouldnt be viable. I think that link states that when the seed pod is about to bust open on its on thats when the seeds will be valuable, On a living plant. The link I provided was a great link for anyone wanting to know how to save seeds, it also explains how someone can pollinate their own plants in order for the best seed production. I hope that helps you. Here is a link that might be useful: Saving Seeds

It looks so delicious and the dressing sounds yummy and like it would really complement the ingredients. I have several events coming up that will require a dish to share and I think this is going to be a hit with my crowd! Thank you!

There are some varieties to choose from but Arugula is supposed to be rather bitter. More bitter with warmth of late Spring/ Summer. Cool weather is supposed to be less bitter, like Autumn. The restaurant leaves are probably grown in mild conditions, and probably not freshly picked.