FrostCal

When to Plant Arugula in California

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Nov 6 – Nov 13. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 30–40 days

Fast-growing, cold-tolerant green; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost, succession sow every 2-3 weeks.

Arugula Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
Los AngelesFrost-free: year-round planting
San DiegoFrost-free: year-round planting
San JoseDec 5 – Dec 19Nov 13 – Nov 20
San FranciscoFrost-free: year-round planting
FresnoDec 17 – Dec 31Nov 2 – Nov 9
SacramentoDec 15 – Dec 29Nov 4 – Nov 11
Long BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
OaklandFrost-free: year-round planting
BakersfieldJan 3 – Jan 17Oct 27 – Nov 3
AnaheimFrost-free: year-round planting
RiversideDec 12 – Dec 26Nov 13 – Nov 20
Santa AnaFrost-free: year-round planting
StocktonJan 8 – Jan 22Oct 27 – Nov 3
Chula VistaFrost-free: year-round planting
IrvineFrost-free: year-round planting
FremontDec 10 – Dec 24Nov 10 – Nov 17
San BernardinoDec 30 – Jan 13Nov 7 – Nov 14
FontanaDec 13 – Dec 27Nov 21 – Nov 28
ModestoJan 3 – Jan 17Oct 24 – Oct 31
OxnardFrost-free: year-round planting
Moreno ValleyDec 30 – Jan 13Nov 7 – Nov 14
Huntington BeachFrost-free: year-round planting
GlendaleDec 5 – Dec 19Nov 14 – Nov 21
Santa ClaritaDec 11 – Dec 25Nov 20 – Nov 27
Santa RosaJan 28 – Feb 11Oct 20 – Oct 27
OceansideFrost-free: year-round planting
Garden GroveFrost-free: year-round planting
Rancho CucamongaDec 7 – Dec 21Nov 18 – Nov 25
OntarioDec 7 – Dec 21Nov 18 – Nov 25
Elk GroveJan 5 – Jan 19Oct 21 – Oct 28

Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant arugula in California?

In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 19 – Jan 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 1 in San Mateo and as late as Apr 29 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Nov 6 – Nov 13. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.

When is the last frost in California?

The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do arugula take to grow?

Arugula typically take 30–40 days from planting to harvest. Fast-growing, cold-tolerant green; direct sow 2-4 weeks before last frost, succession sow every 2-3 weeks.

Other Crops in California

When to plant arugula in other states

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