Arugula Planting Dates Hawaii

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	Year-round (best from September to March)
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks throughout the year
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control

Planting Conditions

The warm and tropical climate supports a longer growing season, making it ideal for arugula cultivation. With USDA Hardiness Zones typically ranging from 10 to 11, understanding the best planting conditions is essential for robust growth.

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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.

For perennial plants, look for the wild rocket types. That type is slightly spicier but will return year after year.

The most utilized type is the Astro variant.

Astro is 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 ensure 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 Hawaii’s Major Cities

In Hawaii, there are no significant frost dates; thus, arugula can be planted outdoors year-round. However, seeds will thrive best in cooler months with less humidity.

City	Temperature Range
Honolulu	70°F – 85°F
Hilo	65°F – 80°F
Kailua	68°F – 83°F
Waikiki	70°F – 84°F

Disclaimer: Planting conditions may vary based on local environmental factors. It is beneficial to monitor local weather and conditions to adapt your planting strategy.

Greenhouse Growing

In hotter regions, a greenhouse can help regulate temperature and protect arugula from harsh sun exposure. This controlled environment allows for year-round cultivation and ensures a stable growing condition, making it easier to manage humidity and provide shade when needed. Moreover, greenhouses can extend the growing season significantly.

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


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal arugula growth, supplementing with fertilizer 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 Hawaii:

Broccoli Planting in Hawaii

Kale Planting in Hawaii

Pumpkin Planting in Hawaii

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

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

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and repeat 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 in tropical 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 arugula in both spring and fall for the best yields. It thrives under optimal 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 arugula, look for mature leaves that are at least 2-3 inches long. Regularly picking leaves can also promote new growth and extend your harvest.

Check for pests like aphids and manage them promptly. With proper care and attention, growing arugula can be a rewarding experience that enhances your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Hawaii, you can start arugula seeds indoors anytime throughout the year due to the warm climate. It’s advisable to begin seed starting about 4-6 weeks before your desired outdoor transplanting date. This ensures robust seedlings ready for transfer into the garden.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors anytime during the year, but for a continuous harvest, aim for transplanting in two-week intervals. Space the seedlings 4-6 inches apart to allow for healthy growth, ensuring they receive adequate air circulation.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly under Hawaii’s sunny conditions.
• It’s best to water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizing

• Utilize a balanced organic fertilizer at planting time and again every few weeks to support growth. Incorporating compost can improve soil structure and nutrients.

Pest and Disease Management

• Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and flea beetles since Hawaii’s climate can support a variety of pests.
• Employ integrated pest management techniques to control any outbreaks, prioritizing organic solutions when possible.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they are young and tender, ideally before they start to flower. Regular harvesting will encourage new growth and prolong 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.