Planting guide · zone 5a
When to plant arugula in zone 5a
In zone 5a, the average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is Oct 1. Here is arugula's whole year, counted from those dates.
Apr 17Direct sowSpring
May 1Succession sowing 2Spring
May 15Succession sowing 3Spring
Jul 9Start seeds indoorsFall
Aug 6Transplant into the gardenFall
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Average soil with steady moisture. Heat and drought turn the flavor from peppery to harsh.
Seedling care
Grows fast — transplant at 3 weeks or direct sow; either works.
Growing notes
A true cut-and-come-again crop. Fall plantings hold quality far longer than spring ones.
Harvest
Cut leaves at 3–4 in, an inch above the crown, and it regrows for 2–3 more cuttings.
Same crop, other zones
Arugula in zone 5b →Arugula in zone 6a →Arugula in zone 6b →Arugula in zone 7a →