FrostCal

When to Plant Arugula in Iowa

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 5 – Sep 12.

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
Des MoinesMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 8 – Sep 15
Cedar RapidsMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 31 – Sep 7
DavenportMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 10 – Sep 17
Sioux CityApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 26 – Sep 2
Iowa CityMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 6 – Sep 13
WaterlooMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 29 – Sep 5
AmesMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 3
West Des MoinesMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 8 – Sep 15
Council BluffsMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 9 – Sep 16
DubuqueMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 9 – Sep 16
AnkenyMar 26 – Apr 9Sep 3 – Sep 10
UrbandaleMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 8 – Sep 15
Cedar FallsMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 29 – Sep 5
MarionMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 31 – Sep 7
BettendorfMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 10 – Sep 17
MarshalltownMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 26 – Sep 2
Mason CityApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 26 – Sep 2
ClintonMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 14 – Sep 21
BurlingtonMar 18 – Apr 1Sep 8 – Sep 15
Fort DodgeMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 27 – Sep 3
OttumwaMar 26 – Apr 9Sep 2 – Sep 9
MuscatineMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 12 – Sep 19
JohnstonMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 6 – Sep 13
CoralvilleMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 6 – Sep 13
WaukeeMar 22 – Apr 5Sep 6 – Sep 13
AltoonaMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 3 – Sep 10
North LibertyMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 6 – Sep 13
IndianolaMar 27 – Apr 10Aug 31 – Sep 7
CliveMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 8 – Sep 15
NewtonMar 25 – Apr 8Sep 5 – Sep 12

Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant arugula in Iowa?

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 24 – Apr 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 13 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 5 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 5 – Sep 12.

When is the last frost in Iowa?

The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa

When to plant arugula in other states

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