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Can You Grow Arugula in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Arugula grows easily here as a cool-season green — one of the fastest salad crops available.

Plant zones

2a–9a

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

21–40 days

When to plant Arugulas in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

Apr 28 – May 17

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Arugula

Arugula is one of the fastest salad greens — ready in as little as 3 weeks and very cold-tolerant.

Direct sow in early spring or fall — bolts in heat. Harvest outer leaves. Succession sow every 2 weeks for continuous supply. Grows year-round indoors under lights.

Full arugula growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.