When to plant arugula in zone 4b — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 4B

Growing SeasonZone 4b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

APRMAYJUN

Sow Apr 17 · First harvest May 17 · Wrap by Jun 14

Last spring frostMay 15

Direct sowApr 17

First harvestMay 17

Last harvestJun 14

Fall succession sowAug 14

First fall frostSep 25

Why these dates work in zone 4b

Zone 4b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 25 — about 133 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 Aug 14 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does arugula take to grow in zone 4b?

Arugula matures in about 30–40 days from sowing. In zone 4b that means sowing around Apr 17 and first picking around May 17.

Will arugula survive frost in zone 4b?

Yes — arugula tolerates light frost. In zone 4b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 25).

Can I plant a second crop of arugula in zone 4b?

Yes — in zone 4b there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 14 for a second harvest before frost.

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