How to Grow Arugula: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest
Quick answer
UC Master Gardeners: start planting seeds one week before last frost. Wisconsin: can be planted several weeks earlier — label that source. Thin to about 6 inches. Succession sow every 2 to 3 weeks in cool weather.
Arugula at a glance
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.
Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.
Botanical: Eruca vesicaria (syn). E. sativa). Not perennial wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia). See also spinach and lettuce for other cool greens.
Planting timing
UC Master Gardeners (SLO): “Start planting seeds one week before the last frost is expected.” Germinates in 40°F soil; best growth 45 to 70°F; tolerates light freeze; sow every three weeks until summer heat or frost stops growth. (UC Master Gardeners) Wisconsin: cool-season; “tolerates frost so can be planted several weeks before the last spring frost”; succession every 2 to 3 weeks early spring to fall; self-seed for fall. (Wisconsin Horticulture) The sources differ on how early — UC −1 week vs Wisconsin “several weeks” — so we show bothfall; bolts in heat; mature 40–50 days; harvest after ~6 weeks. (NC State)
Depth and spacing
UC: seeds ¼ inch deep; germinate ~10 days; thin to six inches. Wisconsin: sow shallowly; thin to 3 to 6 inches for individual plants, or leave denser for cut-and-come-again. NC State: thin to 6 inches; containers min 3 gallons, depth 4–6 inches.
Sun, soil and water
Sun: full sun; partial shade in hot climates to delay bolting (UC; WI; NC State). Soil: UC nutrient-rich, slightly acidic pH 6–7, well-drained loam. Water: UC regular — water when top inch dry; inconsistent water promotes bolting. Flavor intensifies with drought/heat (WI).
Care
Fast crop — good interplant or container (WI; UC). Bolting: long days, high temps, dry soil (WI); flowers edible, milder than leaves (WI). Remove for leaf production or harvest flowers/pods (NC State).
Harvest
Days: UC 4–7 weeks by variety. WI as little as 3–4 weeks for baby leaves; NC State 40–50 days mature / ~6 weeks. Cut young leaves 2–3 inches (UC) or a couple inches (WI); outer leaves or cut whole plant 1–2 inches above ground and regrow (WI). Older leaves bitter (NC State; WI). Edible: leaves, flowers, young seed pods, seeds (NC State). Leaves do not keep long refrigerated (NC State).
Pests and diseases (organic)
Flea beetles: Wisconsin: shot-hole damage; can devour small plants; row covers — but beetles overwinter in soil and may emerge under covers if applied too early. NC State: flea beetles may cause problems.
Aphids: UC IPM: water spray; soap or oil thorough coverage; follow label; not on drought-stressed plants or above 90°F. (UC IPM aphids)
Diseases: NC State bacterial leaf spot, powdery mildew (minor); damping-off of seedlings possible. Cultural: air flow, avoid chronic leaf wetness, sanitation.
Related: how to grow spinach · /grow/lettuce/ · organic pest control · ZIP planner
Frequently asked questions
When do I sow arugula?
Planner: about 1 week before last frost (UC). Wisconsin allows several weeks earlier — label that source choice.
How do I keep a steady supply?
Sow every 2–3 weeks (WI) or every 3 weeks (UC) in cool weather; skip peak heat or use shade/water carefully.
Why does it taste bitter / bolt?
Heat, long days, drought, or old leaves (WI; NC State).
More grow guides: Asparagus · Peas · Cauliflower · Rhubarb · Leeks · Parsley · Swiss chard · Radishes · Eggplant · Cilantro · All grow guides
Sources
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR): UC Master Gardeners; UC IPM aphids
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension: Wisconsin Horticulture
- NC State Extension: Eruca vesicaria