When to plant Arugula in Clay County, FL
Plant Arugula in Clay County after February 18; the prime window is January 28–February 18. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Clay County, FL
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.
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 282 days.
At an elevation of 122 feet, Clay County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Arugula may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Arugula will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Arugula
Arugula needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Arugula Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Clay County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Arugula Planting Timeline — Clay County, FL
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 21 | Jan 21 – Feb 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Direct Sow | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 18 |
| Harvest | March 25 | Mar 25 – May 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
282 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Clay County, FL?
Clay County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, FL?
Clay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Arugula in Clay County, FL?
In Clay County, FL, plant Arugula after the last frost (around February 18) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Clay County, FL for Arugula?
Clay County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Clay County's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Clay County's temperate climate. Clay County averages a 283-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 18 and first frost around November 27.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.