When to Plant Arugula in Zone 11

Eruca vesicaria

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Arugula in Zone 11

  • Direct sow: Jan 15 — after last frost (Jan 15)
  • First harvest: Feb 19 (30–40 days)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (Jan 15) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
Jan 15
First frost
Dec 25
Growing season
344 days
Quick Facts
Sunlight ⛅ Partial Sun
Water Needs 💧💧 Moderate
Spacing 6 inches apart
Planting Depth 0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp 40°F
Germination 3–7 days
Days to Maturity 30–40 days
Frost Tolerance Light frost tolerance
Soil pH 6.0–7.0
Difficulty Easy
What you'll need — Zone 11
🛒 Arugula — Seeds & Supplies
  • 🌱 Arugula Seeds
  • 🌱 Salad Green Mix Seeds
  • 🌱 Cold Frame Kit

Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.

Growing Tips

  • Ready in 30–40 days.
  • Young leaves are mild; older leaves are peppery.
  • Direct sow in cool weather.
  • Partial shade in summer slows bolting.
  • Let a plant flower — arugula self-sows readily.

Common Mistakes

  • Planting in summer heat.
  • Letting plants get too big before harvesting.
  • Not succession planting.
  • Transplanting.

Companion Planting

Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.

✓ Good Companions

Lettuce Spinach

Arugula Schedule — All Zones

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplant Direct SowHarvest StartHarvest End
Zone 3 — — May 15 Jun 19 Jul 29
Zone 4 — — May 10 Jun 14 Jul 24
Zone 5 — — Apr 30 Jun 4 Jul 14
Zone 6 — — Apr 15 May 20 Jun 29
Zone 7 — — Apr 5 May 10 Jun 19
Zone 8 — — Mar 20 Apr 24 Jun 3
Zone 9 — — Feb 28 Apr 4 May 14
Zone 10 — — Feb 10 Mar 17 Apr 26
Zone 11 — — Jan 15 Feb 19 Mar 31
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.