Arugula

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Planting Schedule

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Peppery-sweet arugula arrives with a lively, nutty bite and a tender, succulent leaf that feels crisp at first touch.

At about 40 days, this specialty green forms a compact rosette of ruffled, lance-shaped foliage—deeply flavorful enough to stand on its own, yet delicate enough for fresh salads and bright dressings. Grow it for bold garnishes, quick tosses, and vibrant greens that shine in sauces and finishing swirls.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 40 DaysHabit: Rosette

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Arugula Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Direct Sow	Jun 1st	Jul 11th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 4th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jun 24th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jun 24th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 19th	Jun 28th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 15th	Jun 24th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 13th	Jun 22nd – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jun 17th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	May 4th	Jun 13th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 10th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 25th	Jun 4th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 20th	May 30th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 10th	May 20th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Apr 1st	May 11th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 23rd	May 2nd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Mar 6th	Apr 15th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 9th	Mar 21st – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 10th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	40
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	30
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

This arugula’s trademark heat lands fast and clean, so dress it light and use it as a finishing green rather than something you simmer. The tender, succulent bite makes it ideal with sharp acid (lemon or vinegar) and salty fat (parmesan or prosciutto) where its peppery edge can actually stand up.

Best Uses

quick salad tosses where the leaves stay crisp under vinaigrette
hot finish on pasta or beans—wilts in seconds without turning mushy
peppery sandwich topper (cold) that cuts through fat

Flavor Profile

peppery bite with a sweet, nutty edge tender-crisp ruffled leaves lively, slightly bitter green finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan balsamic vinegar garlic prosciutto

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Eruca vesicaria (arugula), and how can I control it?

Arugula in the Brassicaceae family is commonly hit by flea beetles, which cause small shot-holes in leaves. Use row cover until plants are well established, and check undersides of leaves regularly; hand-pick adults early in the infestation. If damage is ongoing, treat with an insecticidal soap and focus sprays on the underside where beetles feed.

How often should I water arugula during its main growing phase?

During the ~40-day grow period, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent bitterness and leaf toughening. In warm weather, this usually means watering about 1–2 times per week with enough water to wet the top 6 inches, increasing to more frequent watering if the soil dries out in a day or two. Mulch lightly after emergence to slow moisture loss and avoid letting the soil swing from dry to wet.

How can I tell when arugula (Eruca vesicaria) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are tender and about 3–6 inches long (often around 35–45 days), before the plant bolts. Pick outer leaves first for a cut-and-come-again crop; avoid waiting until the plant forms a flower stalk, because leaves become hotter and more bitter once flowering starts. If you see rapid stem elongation, harvest immediately to salvage usable leaves.