Arugula Planting Dates Oregon

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	March 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 climate in this region varies, allowing for both cooler and moderate temperatures that are ideal for arugula’s growth. Understanding the local USDA Hardiness Zones is crucial for determining optimal planting times and conditions.

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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. This variety may be a bit spicier but will return year after year.

The most commonly 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 organize seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before transplanting 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 necessary light 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 approximately 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn to ensure optimal growth and flavor.

City	Average First Frost Date
Portland	November 10
Eugene	November 15
Salem	November 5
Medford	November 20
Bend	September 30

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 cooler climates, using a greenhouse can effectively protect arugula from frost and extreme weather. This controlled environment allows for year-round cultivation and ensures consistent temperature control, which is particularly beneficial during cold months. Furthermore, greenhouses can significantly extend the growing season, allowing for earlier planting in spring and later harvests in fall.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE can be found on Amazon for $999.00 right now.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal growth, supplementing with fertilizer in the spring can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Oregon:

Broccoli Planting in Oregon

Kale Planting in Oregon

Pumpkin Planting in Oregon

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Cucumbers.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water arugula consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially important in dry climates.
• Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping to reduce fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the first true leaves appear. Incorporating compost can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests such as aphids and flea beetles. Vigilant pest management is essential, especially in warmer climates.
• Use organic or integrated pest management methods to protect arugula plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest leaves when they reach the desired size, typically 3-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest season.

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

If you’re unsure about when to harvest your salad greens, 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 and attention, growing arugula can be a rewarding experience that adds a delicious touch to your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Oregon (Zone 8), begin indoor arugula seed starting from late February to mid-March. This timeline ensures robust seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting in mid-April once the danger of frost has subsided.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from mid-April to early May, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 50°F. Space the 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 watering to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the warm months of summer. Oregon’s varying climate may require adjustments in watering frequency.
• Water at the base of plants to prevent leaf wetness, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and every four weeks during the growing season. Incorporating compost can significantly improve soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for pests such as aphids and leaf miners, as well as diseases like downy mildew. Monitoring is crucial to maintaining healthy arugula plants.
• Consider using organic pest management techniques and encourage beneficial insects to help control pest populations.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach 3-6 inches in height for the best flavor and texture. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prolongs the harvest 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.