When to plant arugula in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMAR

Sow Jan 3 · First harvest Feb 2 · Wrap by Mar 2

Last spring frostJan 31

Direct sowJan 3

First harvestFeb 2

Last harvestMar 2

Fall succession sowNov 3

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Arugula tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Nov 3 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does arugula take to grow in zone 10a?

Arugula matures in about 30–40 days from sowing. In zone 10a that means sowing around Jan 3 and first picking around Feb 2.

Will arugula survive frost in zone 10a?

Yes — arugula tolerates light frost. In zone 10a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Jan 31) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

Can I plant a second crop of arugula in zone 10a?

Yes — in zone 10a there's time for a fall sowing around Nov 3 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full arugula growing guide →