Arugula Planting Dates Delaware

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 15 – May 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 facilitates a productive growing season, making it suitable for arugula. Understanding the optimal planting conditions is essential for robust growth and yield.

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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 ensures your arugula has the best chance to thrive from the outset.

The most commonly used seed type is the Astro variant. It 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

Using planting trays helps you organize seedlings and ensures they have adequate space to grow before transplanting them outdoors, resulting in strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you lack sufficient natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the necessary light to grow strong and healthy.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil designed specifically for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It gives your seedlings the best start possible.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities in the Region

When planting outdoors, time your sowing 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn to ensure optimal flavor and growth.

City	Average First Frost Date
Wilmington	November 15
Dover	November 10
Newark	November 12
Rehoboth Beach	November 20
New Castle	November 17

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

Using a greenhouse in cooler climates allows for earlier planting, extending the growing season for arugula. The controlled environment protects plants from unexpected cold snaps and frost, promoting robust growth. With proper temperature control, arugula can thrive even in less favorable outside conditions.

Fertilizer

For optimal growth, supplementing arugula with fertilizer can promote healthy yields. Quality fertilizer replenishes soil nutrients, encouraging vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Delaware:

Broccoli Planting in Delaware

Kale Planting in Delaware

Pumpkin Planting in Delaware

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water arugula consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially important during dry spells.
• Water at the base to reduce leaf wetness, helping to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

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

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Timely pest management is crucial to protect arugula.
• Employ organic or integrated pest management strategies to keep plants healthy.

Harvesting

• Harvest leaves when they reach 3-6 inches long. Frequent harvesting encourages new growth, prolonging the harvest season.

In my garden, I typically sow arugula in both spring and fall for optimal yields. It thrives in cooler temperatures. For those short on time, young plants are available at local nurseries.

If you’re unsure about when to harvest your arugula, look for leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves promotes new growth and extends your harvest.

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

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Delaware (Zone 7a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between February 15 and March 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April, as they can tolerate cooler temperatures.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from mid-April to early May, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 40°F. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 12 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide consistent and moderate watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially as seedlings establish.
• Water at the base of plants to minimize wetting the leaves, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and consider side dressing with compost or organic fertilizer when plants are about 4 inches tall to boost growth.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Maintaining good airflow and plant spacing helps minimize disease risks.
• Implement organic pest management methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using neem oil, to protect arugula from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach the desired size, usually around 4-6 inches long. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends the harvest period.

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.