How to Grow Arugula
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
A peppery, lightning-fast salad green that thrives in cool weather.
By the Plants by Zone Editorial Team · Reviewed June 1, 2026
About arugula
Arugula is one of the fastest, easiest greens to grow, going from seed to salad bowl in as little as a month. Its peppery, nutty leaves are best in the cool of spring and fall — summer heat turns it bitter and sends it to flower. Sow a little every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
When to plant and harvest arugula
Timing is relative to your frost dates. Find your USDA zone for exact dates, or browse the month-by-month calendars.
Start seeds indoors
Not necessary — direct sow
Transplant outdoors
Not typical
Direct sow
2–4 weeks before last frost, then every 2–3 weeks; resume in fall
Harvest
Spring and fall
How to grow arugula step by step
- 1
Direct sow ¼ in deep into cool, moist soil a few weeks before the last frost.
- 2
Thin to 4–6 in apart, eating the thinnings.
- 3
Keep evenly moist to slow bolting and keep leaves mild.
- 4
Harvest outer leaves young, or cut the whole plant a couple of inches above the soil.
- 5
Sow a fresh patch every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply.
- 6
Skip midsummer sowings in hot climates and resume in late summer for fall.
Common problems growing arugula
⚠ Bitter, harsh leaves
Heat and age make arugula sharp — grow in cool weather, water steadily, and pick young.
⚠ Plants bolt to flower fast
Triggered by heat and long days; sow in spring and fall, and choose slow-bolting types for summer.
⚠ Flea beetle shot-holes
Cover seedlings with row cover; light damage on fast greens is mostly cosmetic.
✗ Keep away from
🧺 Harvesting arugula
Snip outer leaves at 2–3 inches for the mildest flavor, or shear the whole plant and let it regrow once or twice. Pick in the cool of the morning, and harvest the whole patch before it bolts in heat.
Arugula: frequently asked questions
Why is my arugula so bitter?＋
Heat and maturity sharpen the flavor. Grow it in cool spring and fall weather, keep it watered, and harvest the leaves while young.
How often should I plant arugula?＋
Sow a small batch every two to three weeks during cool weather for a steady harvest, since each planting bolts quickly once it matures.
Grow arugula in your zone
See exactly when to plant and what else to grow alongside arugula, tailored to your USDA hardiness zone.
