FrostCal

When to Plant Arugula in Illinois

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 10 – Sep 17.

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
ChicagoMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 24 – Oct 1
AuroraMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 11 – Sep 18
RockfordMar 27 – Apr 10Sep 5 – Sep 12
JolietMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 13 – Sep 20
NapervilleMar 31 – Apr 14Sep 4 – Sep 11
PeoriaMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 11 – Sep 18
SpringfieldMar 18 – Apr 1Sep 10 – Sep 17
North PeoriaMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 11 – Sep 18
ElginMar 29 – Apr 12Sep 6 – Sep 13
WaukeganApr 2 – Apr 16Sep 7 – Sep 14
ChampaignMar 18 – Apr 1Sep 12 – Sep 19
CiceroMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 19 – Sep 26
BloomingtonMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 8 – Sep 15
Arlington HeightsMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 14 – Sep 21
EvanstonMar 29 – Apr 12Sep 9 – Sep 16
SchaumburgApr 2 – Apr 16Sep 1 – Sep 8
BolingbrookMar 23 – Apr 6Sep 10 – Sep 17
DecaturMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 12 – Sep 19
PalatineMar 28 – Apr 11Sep 7 – Sep 14
SkokieMar 29 – Apr 12Sep 9 – Sep 16
Des PlainesMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 16 – Sep 23
Orland ParkMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 10 – Sep 17
Tinley ParkMar 26 – Apr 9Sep 8 – Sep 15
Oak LawnMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 20 – Sep 27
BerwynMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 19 – Sep 26
Mount ProspectMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 14 – Sep 21
NormalMar 28 – Apr 11Sep 4 – Sep 11
WheatonMar 31 – Apr 14Sep 4 – Sep 11
Oak ParkMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 19 – Sep 26
Hoffman EstatesApr 2 – Apr 16Sep 1 – Sep 8

Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant arugula in Illinois?

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 23 – Apr 6. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 4 in Granite City and as late as Apr 3 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 10 – Sep 17.

When is the last frost in Illinois?

The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, 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 Illinois

When to plant arugula in other states

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