When to Plant Arugula in St. Louis County, MN
Arugula is a fast-growing cool-season green with a peppery, nutty flavor. It is excellent in salads and can be harvested as baby greens or mature leaves.
St. Louis County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 531 feet, St. Louis County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Arugula to ensure they mature before fall.
St. Louis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Arugula Planting Timeline — St. Louis County, MN
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Fall Sowing | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
30–50 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 3a
Growing Season
100 days
Growing Tips for St. Louis County
Sow seeds directly every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather to prevent bolting. Harvest outer leaves first to extend production.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in St. Louis County, MN?
St. Louis County is in Zone 3a with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Louis County, MN?
St. Louis County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3a. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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