Growing Arugula in Zone 5B

Arugula is the fastest salad green in the garden. Its peppery, nutty flavor is best when harvested young, and it’s ready to eat in as little as 30 days from seed.

Zone 5B has a moderate growing season. Most crops do well here with proper timing around frost dates.

Top Growing Tips

• Direct sow in early spring 6 weeks before last frost — no starting indoors needed
• Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest before summer heat
• Sow again in late summer/early fall for a second season
• Harvest at 3-4 inches for baby arugula; let it grow to 6+ inches for full flavor
• Allow a plant to flower and set seed for self-sowing in future seasons

Companion Planting

Good companions: lettuce, spinach, herbs, cucumbers

Avoid planting near: fennel (allelopathic — inhibits growth of nearby plants)

Harvest Timeline

30-40 days from seed; cut leaves 1 inch above soil level for regrowth

About Zone 5B

USDA Hardiness Zone 5B has an average last spring frost around Apr 18 and first fall frost around Oct 13. All planting dates above are calculated from these frost dates. Your specific location may vary — check with your local extension office for the most accurate dates.