Arugula Growing Guide
Growing Arugula is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Vegetable
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Plant Family
Brassicaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Arugula?
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Your Arugula Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Arugula's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 1
Prepare Your Space
0.5 cm
Seeding Depth
5 cm
Plant Spacing
20 cm
Row Spacing
9
Plants / Sq Ft
Vertical Growing
Yes – Tower.
Method: Tower.
Succession Planting
Yes.
Good Companions
Bad Companions
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 5–10 days
Growing Tips
- 1Arugula thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
- 2Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as arugula prefers well-drained soil.
- 3Space plants about 6 inches apart to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.
- 4To manage pests like flea beetles, consider using row covers or planting companion plants like garlic or onions to deter them.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~30
Days to Maturity
40 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
45 days
When to Pick
Cut outer leaves as needed
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest arugula when the leaves are young and tender, typically 4-6 inches long, before the plant bolts.
- 2Use scissors or garden shears to cut the outer leaves about an inch above the base, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
- 3Avoid pulling the entire plant to ensure continuous growth and multiple harvests.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your arugula plant is easy and rewarding! Simply let a few arugula plants flower and form seed pods—these will turn brown and dry out on the plant. Once the pods are dry, gently collect them and break them open to release the tiny seeds inside. Don’t worry if it’s your first time—arugula is a forgiving plant, and you’ll get the hang of it quickly! Store your seeds in a cool, dry place in a labeled envelope or jar, and you’ll be ready to plant your own homegrown arugula next season.
Seed Production
Feeling inspired?
Grow Arugula from seed.
Peppery salad greens you can pick in 30 days. Buy a pack and get started.
$2.25
CAD
In Stock
