Arugula Planting Dates Missouri

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	April 1 – June 15
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks during spring and fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

The temperate climate supports arugula growth, making it suitable for planting during both cool springs and mild autumns. Certain regions maintain USDA Hardiness Zones that allow for optimal conditions, so understanding local conditions can be essential for success.

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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 arugula the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

The most commonly used type is the Astro variant, a vigorous, all-season, cut and come again variety with long, silky leaves and 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.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities

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

City	Average First Frost Date
Kansas City	November 15
St. Louis	November 20
Springfield	November 10
Columbia	November 5
Jefferson City	November 25

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

Greenhouse Growing

In Missouri, utilizing a greenhouse can protect arugula from harsh winter conditions and extend the growing season. This controlled environment allows cultivation throughout the year, maintaining a consistent temperature that aids in growth during colder months.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE can be found on Amazon.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal arugula growth, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizers help replenish nutrients in the soil and promote vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Missouri:

Broccoli Planting in Missouri

Pumpkin Planting in Missouri

Tomato Planting in Missouri

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

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Missouri (Zone 6), begin indoor arugula seed starting from late February to early March. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation as early as mid-March when soil can be worked.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from mid-March to early April, ensuring that the soil is workable and warmed. Space the seedlings 4-6 inches apart to allow for proper growth and development.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Missouri’s varying weather can necessitate regular monitoring of soil moisture levels.
• Water at the base of the plants to reduce leaf wetness, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer when transplanting and once the plants begin to bolt. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and provide necessary nutrients.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and leaf miners. Maintenance of plant health and vigilance is essential.
• Employ organic or integrated pest management techniques to keep arugula plants healthy and free from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach a desirable size and flavor. Regular harvesting encourages continued growth and leaf production.

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.