Cool-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Arugula

Peppery salad green that grows fast in cool weather. Ready to harvest in just 3-4 weeks from seed.

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Water

1 inch per week

Days to Harvest

21-40

Difficulty

beginner

Spacing

Frost Tolerance

moderate

The Short Answer

Arugula are cold-tolerant and actually prefer cooler growing conditions. You can direct sow seeds 4 weeks before your last frost date — one of the earliest crops you can plant. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Arugula

Arugula is the fastest salad green from seed — as few as 21 days from sowing to harvest for baby leaves. The peppery bite intensifies as leaves mature and when plants experience heat stress. Baby arugula (harvested at 2-3 inches) is milder and more versatile; mature arugula is assertively spicy. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks during cool weather for continuous supply. In hot weather, plant in afternoon shade and harvest early in the morning for the mildest flavor. Self-seeds aggressively in mild climates — you'll have volunteer arugula for years.

Direct Sowing

Arugula can be direct sown 4 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds 0.25" deep, spaced 6" apart.

Fall Planting

Arugula are planted in fall, 6 weeks before your average first frost date. Plant 0.25" deep, 6" apart.

Growing Tips

Succession plant every 2-3 weeks. Bolts quickly in heat — partial shade extends the season. Baby leaves are milder; mature leaves have more peppery kick.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Carrots Dill Lettuce

Keep away from:

Strawberries

Arugula Planting Dates by State

Click your state for arugula planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026