Crops › Arugula
How to grow Arugula
in the US
Sow March to September, plant out October, harvest April to October. About 30 days from seed to plate. You can sow it this month.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
Arugula, sometimes called rocket, is a proper cracking leaf to grow, especially if you're after something quick and easy. It gives you a lovely peppery kick for your salads and sandwiches, and it's brilliant for filling in any bare spots on your plot or in your backyard. You'll be chuffed with how fast it grows, honestly.
Sowing
Arugula is a cool season crop, so you want to get it started when it's not too hot, you know. Direct sow your seeds about half an inch deep, aiming for an inch apart in the row. Once they're up and growing, thin them out to give each plant about 4 to 6 inches of space. For folks in USDA zones 3-5, that means getting your seeds in from April through August, depending on your specific zone. Zones 6-7 can start in March or even February, going into September or October. Down in zones 8-10, you've got a much longer window, from January right through to May, then picking up again from September to December. Like I say, it's pretty quick, so do a small batch every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
Growing on
Most arugula varieties are happy being direct sown, so you don't usually need to mess about with plug plants. If you do start some indoors for an early batch, just be careful when you transplant them out to avoid root disturbance. Give them enough room to grow and they'll be grand. It's a versatile plant, so it'll do well in containers too if you're a bit short on space, say on a patio or balcony.
Looking after it
Arugula needs consistent moisture, especially when it's warm, or it'll bolt and go to seed too quickly, turning bitter. A bit of mulch around the plants can help keep the soil cool and moist. It doesn't need a lot of feeding, just good soil will do. If you've got it in a sunny spot, consider a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day to keep those leaves sweet and tender.
What goes wrong
The usual suspects like slugs and aphids can sometimes be a problem, so keep an eye out for them. Cabbage worms can also cause a bit of bother, making holes in your leaves. If you're really struggling, a simple row cover can work wonders to protect your plants from these pests, keeping them safe and sound. Marigolds and nasturtiums planted nearby can help deter some pests too.
Harvest
You can start picking arugula leaves in about 30 days, which is cracking. Just snip off the outer leaves as you need them, and the plant will keep on producing more for you. If you get a proper glut, it stores well in the fridge for a few days in a plastic bag or container. It's great in salads, but also lovely wilted into pasta or on top of a pizza.
To be honest, the best way to keep your arugula from bolting in the heat is to sow it in a spot that gets a bit of afternoon shade, or just get it in early and late in the season.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Astro Astro is a proper reliable workhorse, great for getting a good crop of peppery leaves. Sow this one straight out in your garden for a steady harvest all season long. | No club votes yet |
| Rocket This 'Rocket' variety gives you that classic peppery kick we all love. Start these undercover, maybe in a cold frame or on a bright windowsill, to get a head start on the season. | No club votes yet |
| Apollo Apollo is another solid choice if you're looking for a dependable arugula. It grows well outdoors, so you can just pop the seeds straight into the ground. | No club votes yet |
| Speedy As the name suggests, 'Speedy' is a quick grower, getting you fresh leaves in no time. Get these started undercover if you want to harvest a bit earlier than the rest. | No club votes yet |
| Runway Runway gives you a good, consistent crop of leaves, real easy to grow. It's perfectly happy sown directly into your plot or backyard. | No club votes yet |
| Esmee Esmee is a lovely arugula variety, another one that's a reliable performer. Starting it undercover helps you beat the chill and get your first pickings sooner. | No club votes yet |
| Selvatica Selvatica is a good, hardy choice for your garden, giving you a robust flavor. Sow these straight out on your plot when the time is right. | No club votes yet |
| Adagio Adagio offers a steady supply of tasty arugula leaves for your salads. Getting this one going undercover is a good way to extend your harvesting season. | No club votes yet |
| Sylvetta Sylvetta is a cracking variety that performs well year after year. It's best sown directly outdoors, nice and simple. | No club votes yet |
| Wild Rocket Wild Rocket has a bit more of a punchy, stronger flavor than some others, which I quite like. Start this one undercover to get it established before planting out. | No club votes yet |
| Dragon's Tongue Dragon's Tongue brings a unique look to your arugula, with its distinctive leaves. This variety does very well when sown straight into the ground. | No club votes yet |
| Wasabi Arugula If you like a real kick, Wasabi Arugula is the one for you, with a proper spicy flavour. Give this one a sheltered start undercover to get the best out of it. | No club votes yet |
| Diplomat Diplomat is a reliable and easy-to-grow arugula, perfect for new gardeners or experienced hands. Just sow it outdoors and let it do its thing. | No club votes yet |
| Bellezia Bellezia is a fine choice for consistent harvests of fresh leaves. It's one you'll want to sow undercover to help it get a good strong start. | No club votes yet |
| Gitana Gitana is a good all-rounder, giving you plenty of tasty arugula for your kitchen. This one is best sown directly into your garden beds. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Arugula seeds
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Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April to August | May to September |
| Zone 4 | April to August | May to September |
| Zone 5 | March to September | April to October |
| Zone 6 | March to September | April to October |
| Zone 7 | February to October | March to November |
| Zone 8 | February to October | March to November |
| Zone 9 | January to November | February to December |
| Zone 10 | September to April | February to December |
Cook the harvest
An elegant, effortless salad where the earthy pepper of watercress meets the rich smokiness of flaked trout, brightened by horseradish cream, sliced cucumber, and a sharp lemon dressing. This is the kind of impressive-looking dish that requires almost no cooking and comes together in under 15 minutes — ideal for a summer lunch, a light dinner, or an elegant starter that belies how little effort it takes.
12 min · easyEarthy roasted beets against a bed of peppery arugula with creamy goat cheese crumbles and a sharp sherry vinaigrette — this is one of the great American bistro salads for good reason. The sweet, tender beets and the sharp, green arugula make a perfect pairing. It takes a little patience to roast the beets but can be done a day ahead.
65 min · easyA summer salad that balances the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches with the sharp, peppery bite of arugula — finished with creamy burrata, toasted almonds, and a honey-balsamic drizzle. Each bite hits sweet, salty, creamy, and peppery notes all at once. This is the salad you make when peaches are at their peak and you want to do them justice.
10 min · easyA silky, vibrant green soup where fresh watercress is briefly cooked with potatoes and onions to create a smooth, peppery purée enriched with a swirl of heavy cream. This is French-inspired elegance made from pantry staples — beautiful enough for a dinner party first course yet simple enough for a weeknight supper. Serve warm or chilled for two completely different but equally delicious experiences.
35 min · easyWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: marigolds, nasturtium
Questions people ask
When do you sow Arugula in the US?
Sow Arugula from March to September in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out October, after the last frost.
How long does Arugula take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 30 days, with the harvest April to October.
Which Arugula varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Astro, Rocket, Apollo, Speedy and more.
Track your Arugula from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.