Arugula Planting Dates Wisconsin

Arugula is also known as rocket. It’s a leafy green rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and K, along with calcium and iron. This peppery green is a favorite in the kitchen, often used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.

Best Planting Times

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Direct Sowing	April 15 – 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 varying climate conditions in this region make for both challenges and opportunities when growing arugula. Understanding the right timing and optimal conditions is essential for robust growth and harvesting.

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Useful Tools for Starting Arugula Indoors

Using the right tools can save time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Choosing quality seeds enhances germination rates and overall plant health. Starting with superior seeds gives your arugula the best chance to thrive right from the start.

For perennial options, look for wild rocket varieties that are spicier and return annually.

The Astro variant is popularly used, characterized as 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 your seedlings, ensuring they have ample space to grow before transplanting outdoors. This organized approach promotes healthy, strong plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are crucial if natural sunlight is insufficient. They provide the necessary light for your seedlings to grow strong, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Utilizing lightweight, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting promotes rapid root establishment and healthy growth. It’s an efficient way to give your seedlings a strong start.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Average First Frost Dates for Major Cities

To optimize growth and flavor, plant arugula outdoors about 2-4 weeks before the expected first frost date in late autumn.

City	Average First Frost Date
Milwaukee	October 15
Madison	October 10
Green Bay	October 20
Kenosha	October 5
Appleton	October 25

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates; actual conditions may vary. It’s best to monitor local forecasts and adjust planting decisions as needed.

Greenhouse Growing

In this region, using a greenhouse offers excellent protection from cold temperatures, allowing for year-round arugula cultivation. The regulated environment ensures consistent conditions, which benefits growth during the cooler months. Greenhouses also help extend the growing season significantly.

This 10×12 FT Greenhouse from HOWE is available on Amazon for $999.00.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

To ensure a thriving crop, supplementing with fertilizer is essential. Quality fertilizer replenishes nutrients in the soil and supports vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Wisconsin:

Broccoli Planting in Wisconsin

Pumpkin Planting in Wisconsin

Tomato Planting in Wisconsin

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist, making consistent watering crucial in drier conditions.
• Direct water at the plant’s base to minimize leaf wetness, which can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Application of balanced fertilizer is recommended at planting and when the first true leaves appear. Incorporating compost can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regular monitoring for common pests such as aphids and flea beetles is important. Vigilant pest management is necessary.
• Using organic or integrated pest management methods can protect your arugula plants effectively.

Harvesting

• Harvest leaves when they reach 3-6 inches in length. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends the overall harvest period.

For my garden, I plant arugula in both spring and fall for optimal yields. It flourishes in cooler temperatures. For those who lack the time to start from seeds, young arugula plants can often be found at local nurseries.

If uncertain about when to harvest your crop, look for mature leaves measuring at least 2-3 inches long. Picking leaves regularly promotes fresh growth and extends the harvest period.

Be sure to monitor for pests like aphids and manage them quickly. With proper attention, raising arugula can be a rewarding gardening experience that adds a delicious flair to your meals.

Starting Arugula Indoors

In Wisconsin (Zone 5a), begin indoor arugula seed starting between late March and early April. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April to early May, taking advantage of the cooler weather that arugula thrives in.

Transplanting Arugula Seedlings

Transplant arugula seedlings outdoors from April 15 to May 1, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 45°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 and moderate watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Wisconsin’s varying climate may require regular checks to avoid soil dryness, especially during warmer months.
• Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease development.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. Arugula can benefit from a light application of compost during the growing season to enhance soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids and flea beetles, and diseases such as downy mildew. Vigilance is key to maintaining healthy arugula plants.
• Utilize organic pest control methods and promote beneficial insects to manage pest populations effectively.

Harvesting

• Harvest arugula leaves when they reach 2-6 inches in height. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and keeps the plants productive throughout the 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.