Arugula Planting Dates Florida

Arugula is also known as rocket. It’s a leafy green full of nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. This peppery green is popular in the kitchen and used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	September 15 – November 30
	Succession Planting	Every 2-4 weeks during fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

The subtropical climate enables a varied planting schedule. With a long growing season, it’s essential to tailor your planting times to local conditions for optimal results.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your crop the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

For perennial plants look for the wild rocket types. That type is a bit more spicy but will come back year after year.

The most used type is the Astro variant.

Astro is a vigorous, all-season, cut and come again variety with long, silky leaves and a nutty flavor.

You can find Astro Arugula Seeds on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4gTTIgT

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and make sure that they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.

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Average First Frost Dates for Florida’s Major Cities

Plant arugula outdoors in Florida approximately 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn to ensure optimal growth and flavor.

City	Average First Frost Date
Miami	December 15
Tampa	January 2
Orlando	December 30
Jacksonville	December 25
Gainesville	January 5

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Irrigation Tips

Water management is important . Using a simple oscillating sprinkler in the early morning ensures water reaches the roots without evaporating too quickly. This method is great for home gardens. One option toconsider is the Eden Oscillating Sprinkler, priced at $17.94. It features 6 precision nozzles, a leak-proof connector, and a quick-connect mechanism to easily attach it to your garden hose.

Check the latest price on Amazon

Fertilizer

Other planting guides for Florida:

Broccoli Planting in Florida

Kale Planting in Florida

Pumpkin Planting in Florida

Any questions on growing arugula? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Arugula.

For optimal results, supplementing with fertilizer can enhance growth and yield. Quality fertilizer replenishes essential nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plants.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water arugula regularly to maintain consistent moisture, especially important in dry conditions.
• Water at the base of the plants to reduce leaf wetness, helping to decrease fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again when the first true leaves appear. Adding compost can improve soil quality.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Pest management is crucial, especially during warmer weather.
• Use organic or integrated pest management approaches to safeguard your plants.

Harvesting

• Harvest leaves when they reach the desired size, typically 3-6 inches long. Frequent harvesting encourages continued growth.

In my garden, I try to plant arugula in both spring and fall for the best yields. It thrives in cooler temperatures. If you don’t have time to start from seeds, you can find young plants at local nurseries.

If you’re unsure about when to harvest, look for mature leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves can also promote new growth and extend your harvest.

Also, remember to check for pests like aphids and manage them promptly. With proper care, growing arugula can be a rewarding experience that adds a delicious touch to your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Florida, begin indoor arugula seed starting between September 1 and November 1. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-September to early December when the cooler temperatures are optimal for growth.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from October 15 to November 15, ensuring the soil stays consistently warm after the summer heat. Space seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 12-18 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Florida’s humid climate allows for moderate moisture but be wary of overwatering in certain areas.
• Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases common in warmer climates.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and throughout the growing season to support vigorous growth. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids, caterpillars, and downy mildew. The humid environment in Florida can foster these issues, so vigilance is essential.
• Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula from pests and diseases effectively.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach the desired size, typically around 4-6 inches in height. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and a continuous supply of fresh arugula throughout the growing season.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.