FrostCal

When to Plant Arugula in Virginia

In a typical Virginia location, sow outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in Newport News and as late as Mar 29 in Radford. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 17 – Sep 24.

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
Virginia BeachMar 1 – Mar 15Oct 1 – Oct 8
NorfolkFeb 23 – Mar 9Oct 5 – Oct 12
ChesapeakeFeb 23 – Mar 9Oct 5 – Oct 12
RichmondMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 23 – Sep 30
ArlingtonMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 19 – Sep 26
Newport NewsFeb 16 – Mar 2Oct 15 – Oct 22
AlexandriaMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 27 – Oct 4
East HamptonFeb 24 – Mar 10Oct 4 – Oct 11
HamptonFeb 24 – Mar 10Oct 4 – Oct 11
RoanokeMar 6 – Mar 20Sep 20 – Sep 27
Portsmouth HeightsFeb 23 – Mar 9Oct 5 – Oct 12
PortsmouthFeb 23 – Mar 9Oct 5 – Oct 12
SuffolkFeb 27 – Mar 13Oct 4 – Oct 11
South SuffolkFeb 27 – Mar 13Oct 4 – Oct 11
LynchburgMar 20 – Apr 3Sep 13 – Sep 20
CentrevilleMar 18 – Apr 1Sep 12 – Sep 19
Dale CityFeb 28 – Mar 14Sep 27 – Oct 4
West LynchburgMar 20 – Apr 3Sep 13 – Sep 20
RestonMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 17 – Sep 24
HarrisonburgMar 24 – Apr 7Sep 11 – Sep 18
LeesburgMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 13 – Sep 20
McLeanMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 19 – Sep 26
CharlottesvilleMar 8 – Mar 22Sep 23 – Sep 30
TuckahoeMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 19 – Sep 26
BlacksburgMar 27 – Apr 10Sep 7 – Sep 14
AshburnMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 14 – Sep 21
DanvilleMar 11 – Mar 25Sep 20 – Sep 27
ManassasMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 15 – Sep 22
Lake RidgeMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 15 – Sep 22
BurkeMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 17 – Sep 24

Showing the 30 most populous of 118 Virginia cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Virginia cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant arugula in Virginia?

In a typical Virginia location, sow outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Feb 16 in Newport News and as late as Mar 29 in Radford. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 17 – Sep 24.

When is the last frost in Virginia?

The average last spring frost in Virginia ranges from March 16 in Newport News to April 26 in Radford, 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 Virginia

When to plant arugula in other states

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