Arugula Planting Dates Illinois

Arugula, also referred to as rocket, is a nutrient-dense leafy green packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron. This peppery green is highly versatile, making it a favorite in salads, sandwiches, and various pasta dishes.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	April 1 – June 15
	Succession Planting	Every 2-3 weeks throughout spring and fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Understanding planting conditions is essential for fostering healthy growth in arugula. Ideal for regions with USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 7, maintaining proper moisture and temperature is key.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Utilizing the right tools can streamline the planting process and enhance your success rate.

Seeds

Investing in high-quality seeds is crucial for optimal germination and plant health. Varieties like Astro, a vigorous, all-season type with long leaves and a mild flavor, are excellent choices for home gardeners.

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

Planting Trays

Using planting trays offers an organized method for managing seedlings, ensuring they have sufficient space before transferring outdoors. This promotes efficient growth and healthier plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are indispensable if access to adequate sunlight is limited. They supply essential light for fostering robust seedling development, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Opt for lightweight, specially formulated seed starting soil to encourage quick root establishment. This choice promotes healthy plant growth from the beginning.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Water consistently, keeping soil evenly moist.
• Water deeply at the base of plants to reduce leaf wetness and minimize disease risk.

Fertilizing

• Utilize a balanced fertilizer at planting and again once true leaves emerge. Incorporating compost further enhances soil health.

Pest and Disease Management

• Stay vigilant for pests such as aphids and flea beetles; manage them promptly to protect your arugula.
• Use organic or integrated pest management strategies for effective control.

Harvesting

• Harvest leaves when they reach 3-6 inches in length; doing so encourages new growth, extending the harvest period.

In my experience, planting arugula in spring and fall yields the best results as it thrives in cooler temperatures. For those who prefer not to start from seeds, young plants are often available at local nurseries.

If you’re uncertain about when to harvest, look for mature leaves of at least 2-3 inches. Continuously picking leaves can enhance growth and prolong your harvest. Additionally, keep an eye out for pests like aphids, addressing any issues swiftly. With attentive care, cultivating arugula can be both enjoyable and rewarding.

Greenhouse Growing

For optimal growth in cooler climates, a greenhouse can provide vital protection against sudden temperature drops and enable year-round cultivation. This controlled environment helps maintain consistent conditions, which is particularly advantageous during the colder months.

Fertilizer

Employing effective fertilizer can significantly boost the health of your arugula plants. Ensure to replenish soil nutrients to promote vigorous growth for a plentiful harvest.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Illinois:

Broccoli Planting in Illinois

Kale Planting in Illinois

Pumpkin Planting in Illinois

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

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Illinois (Zone 5a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between March 15 and April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late April to early May once the risk of frost has diminished.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, 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 dry spells in the Illinois climate.
• Water at the base of plants to ensure adequate root hydration while minimizing leaf wetness to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when seedlings are about 4-6 weeks old. Adding compost to the soil can improve fertility and drainage.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for pests such as aphids and flea beetles, which can be more prevalent during humid conditions.
• Utilize organic pest control methods and crop rotation practices to manage pests and diseases effectively.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach a desirable size, generally about 4-6 inches long. Regular cutting encourages new growth and prolongs 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.