When to plant arugula in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUNJUL

Sow May 2 · First harvest Jun 1 · Wrap by Jun 29

Last spring frostMay 30

Direct sowMay 2

First harvestJun 1

Last harvestJun 29

Fall succession sowJul 30

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 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 Jul 30 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does arugula take to grow in zone 3a?

Arugula matures in about 30–40 days from sowing. In zone 3a that means sowing around May 2 and first picking around Jun 1.

Will arugula survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — arugula tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

Can I plant a second crop of arugula in zone 3a?

Yes — in zone 3a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 30 for a second harvest before frost.

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