How to Grow Arugula
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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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🌿 Plant Overview
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Partial Shade to Full Sun
💧
Water
Regular (keep moist)
↔️
Spacing
6" apart
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Depth
0.25" deep
📏
Height
6-12"
🌱
Germination
3-7 days
Ready to Grow Arugula?
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🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟢 EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Let plants bolt and seed pods dry on the stalk. Harvest before pods shatter.
Processing
Cut stalks into a bag, dry, thresh to separate seeds from pods.
Seed Viability
Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Arugula cross-pollinates readily — isolate by 300 feet from other arugula varieties for pure seed.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Arugula. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Arugula Planting Calendar by Zone
Arugula Planting Calendar by State
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula? +
Sow Arugula seeds directly in the garden 4 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Arugula take to grow? +
Arugula typically matures in about 40 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Arugula indoors or direct sow? +
Arugula does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Arugula need? +
Arugula requires partial shade to full sun to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Arugula? +
Space Arugula plants 6 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Arugula need? +
Arugula has regular (keep moist) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Arugula? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Arugula is rated easy. Let plants bolt and seed pods dry on the stalk. Harvest before pods shatter. Cut stalks into a bag, dry, thresh to separate seeds from pods.
How long do Arugula seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Arugula seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Arugula seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Arugula is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Arugula
Peppery salad green that thrives in cool weather. Bolts quickly in heat — provide shade or succession plant. Harvest outer leaves for continuous picking.
Expect your Arugula to be ready for harvest in approximately 40 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.