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How to Grow Arugula

Zones 2a–9a · Beginner · 21–40 days

Container-friendlyBalcony/patioIndoor-friendlyDeer-resistant

Quick Answer

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

Light

partial-sun

Water

moderate

Soil

loamy, sandy, well-drained

Days to harvest

21–40 days

When to plant Arugulas

Your exact dates depend on your last frost date. Enter your location to get your personalized planting calendar.

In general: direct-sow or transplant after your last frost, and expect harvest ~21–40 days later. See zone 2a →

Growing guide

Overview

Arugula is a fast, peppery salad green that goes from seed to harvest in as little as 3 weeks. It thrives in cool weather and tolerates light frost, making it a great choice for spring and fall gardens. Give it partial sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil, and it will reward you with a steady supply of leaves.

Soil & planting prep

Arugula grows best in loamy or sandy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Work in 2–3 inches of compost before planting to improve fertility and drainage. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and thin plants to 3–6 inches apart.

When to plant

Direct sow arugula in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked and about 2–4 weeks before your last frost date. For a fall crop, sow seeds 6–8 weeks before your first expected fall frost. In mild-winter areas (zones 7–9), you can also sow in late summer for a winter harvest.

How to plant

Choose a spot with partial sun—about 4–6 hours of direct light per day—and well-drained soil.
Loosen the top 6 inches of soil and mix in 2–3 inches of compost.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, spacing them 1 inch apart in rows 6–12 inches apart.
Water gently after sowing to settle the soil and keep it consistently moist until germination, which takes 5–7 days.
Once seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them to 3–6 inches apart so plants have room to grow.

5 common mistakes to avoid

Planting in hot weather: Arugula bolts (goes to seed) quickly when temperatures exceed 75°F, turning leaves bitter; sow in early spring or late summer and provide afternoon shade in warm spells.
Letting the soil dry out: Drought stress makes leaves tough and overly pungent; keep the soil evenly moist with about 1 inch of water per week.
Sowing too thickly and not thinning: Crowded plants compete for water and nutrients, resulting in small, weak leaves; thin seedlings to 3–6 inches apart.
Harvesting only the whole plant at once: Cutting the entire plant ends production; instead, pick outer leaves regularly to keep the plant growing.
Skipping succession sowings: A single sowing gives you a short harvest window; sow a new patch every 2 weeks for a continuous supply.

Harvesting & storage

Begin harvesting when leaves are 2–3 inches long, usually 21–40 days after sowing. Pick outer leaves first, or cut the whole plant 1 inch above the soil to encourage regrowth. Store leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Companion planting

Arugula grows well with lettuce, spinach, and other cool-season greens. Avoid planting it near fennel, which can inhibit growth.

Growing in containers

Arugula is container-friendly; use a pot that holds at least 3 gallons and has drainage holes. Fill it with a well-drained potting mix, keep it watered, and place it where it gets partial sun.

Pro tips

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.