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.
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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
Other planting guides for Wisconsin:
Broccoli 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.
What is the best time to plant arugula in Wisconsin?
Arugula is best planted in early spring and late summer. Planting in early spring allows for a harvest before the heat of summer, while the late summer planting can continue to produce into the fall.
Can I plant arugula in Wisconsin during the summer?
Arugula can struggle in the heat of summer as it prefers cooler temperatures. It may bolt and become bitter if planted during the height of summer.
How long does it take for arugula to grow?
Arugula typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks to reach a harvestable size from planting, making it a quick-growing crop ideal for succession planting.
Should I start arugula seeds indoors?
While arugula seeds can be started indoors, it is generally sown directly into the garden as it grows quickly and establishes well from direct seeding.
How often should I water arugula once planted?
Arugula should be watered consistently to maintain moist soil, but do not overwater as this can lead to root rot. Regular, even watering is ideal.
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