Arugula Planting Dates Iowa

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a nutrient-rich leafy green packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. This peppery green is popular in salads, sandwiches, and many 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 & fall
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

The temperate climate allows for a diverse planting season, enabling optimal growth for arugula. Understanding the best planting conditions with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 4 to 6 is essential for ensuring a healthy 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

Opt for high-quality seeds to achieve better germination and healthier plants. Starting with the right seeds will give your arugula the best chance to thrive right from the beginning.

For perennial varieties, consider wild rocket types, which are spicier but will return each season. The Astro variant is the most common choice for home gardeners.

Astro is known for being 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 can help you organize seedlings and provide ample room for growth before transplanting them outdoors. This method increases the chances of establishing strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if there’s insufficient natural sunlight. They ensure seedlings receive the necessary light for strong growth even in poor lighting conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, finely textured soil specifically designed for seed starting assists young roots in establishing quickly, promoting healthy growth right from the start. It’s a simple way to help your seedlings thrive.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities in Iowa

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

City	Average First Frost Date
Des Moines	October 15
Cedar Rapids	October 10
Davenport	October 20
Sioux City	October 5
Waterloo	October 12

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 colder regions, utilizing a greenhouse can effectively extend the growing season for arugula. The controlled environment offers protection from harsh winter conditions while allowing for year-round cultivation. Moreover, greenhouse growing can help maintain optimal temperatures, promoting healthier plant growth and reducing stress during unexpected cold snaps.

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


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal arugula growth, using fertilizer can help ensure plentiful and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer replenishes soil nutrients and promotes robust plant development.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Iowa:

Broccoli Planting in Iowa

Pumpkin Planting in Iowa

Tomato Planting in Iowa

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

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Iowa (Zone 5a), begin indoor arugula seed starting from late February to early April. This timeline allows for healthy seedlings, which can then be transplanted outdoors from late April to early May, once the final frost has passed.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from mid-April to early May, once the soil temperature is consistently above 40°F. Space 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 Iowa’s variable climate.
• Water at the base of the plants to prevent leaf wetness and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer when transplanting and again when the leaves start to grow rapidly. Incorporating compost into the soil can enhance its fertility and texture.

Pest and Disease Management

• Monitor for common pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and downy mildew. Vigilance is crucial due to Iowa’s humid summers.
• Implement organic pest management strategies to protect arugula from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor. 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.