Arugula Planting Dates Louisiana

Arugula, also referred to as rocket, is a nutritious leafy green packed with essential vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron. Its peppery flavor makes it popular in various dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	September 1 – November 15
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks during fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control

Planting Conditions

The warm and humid climate provides an extended growing season, making it suitable for arugula. Understanding the best planting conditions ensures optimal growth and quality of your crop.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Utilizing the right tools can significantly improve your planting success.

Seeds

Quality seeds are essential for good germination and robust growth. The Astro variety is quite popular due to its vigorous growth, all-season adaptability, and delightful nutty flavor.

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

Planting Trays

Planting trays help organize seedlings and ensure they have enough space before being transplanted outdoors, enhancing efficiency and plant strength.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are vital for ensuring seedlings receive sufficient light, especially if natural sunlight is limited.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

A light, specially formulated seed starting soil helps young roots establish quickly. This ensures healthier plants right from the beginning.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Louisiana’s Major Cities

For optimal growth and flavor, plant arugula outdoors in Louisiana approximately 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn.

City	Average First Frost Date
New Orleans	December 1
Baton Rouge	December 5
Shreveport	November 15
Lake Charles	December 10

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates and can vary based on actual conditions. It is advised to monitor local forecasts for accurate planting times.

Other planting guides for Louisiana:

Broccoli Planting in Louisiana

Kale Planting in Louisiana

Pumpkin Planting in Louisiana

Any questions on growing arugula? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

Fertilizer

For optimal growth, using fertilizer supports healthy plant development and abundant yields. A good fertilizer assists in replenishing soil nutrients crucial for vigorous growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Consistently water arugula to keep the soil evenly moist, especially in hot conditions.
• Water at the base to keep leaves dry, minimizing disease risks.

Fertilizing

• Apply balanced fertilizer when planting and again when first true leaves emerge. Compost can improve soil quality.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regular monitoring for common pests is crucial. Managing pests proactively is essential, especially during warmer months.
• Utilize organic pest management strategies to keep plants healthy.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves at 3-6 inches in length. Frequent harvesting promotes new growth.

In my experience, planting arugula in both the spring and fall yields the best results, as it thrives in cooler temperatures. Young plants can also be sourced from local nurseries if seed starting isn’t feasible.

Look for mature leaves of at least 2-3 inches to determine harvest readiness. Regular harvesting can extend the growing season and improve overall yield.

Be vigilant for pests such as aphids to manage them effectively. With the right care, growing arugula can truly enhance your culinary creations.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Louisiana (Zone 8b), begin indoor arugula seed starting between September 1 and October 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late October to early November when the temperatures are cooler.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from late October to early November, ensuring the soil temperature is suitable for growth. Space the seedlings 6–12 inches apart in rows with at least 18–24 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
• Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases; water at the base of plants instead.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and side-dress with compost to boost soil fertility as the plants grow.

Pest and Disease Management

• Monitor for common pests like aphids and flea beetles, as well as diseases such as downy mildew.
• Utilize organic pest control methods and ensure good air circulation around plants to minimize disease risks.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they are about 3-4 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and maintains plant health.

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.