When to plant Arugula in Marion County County,
The best window to plant Arugula in Marion County County, is March 27–April 17, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 10; first frost October 19. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Marion County, IL
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.
Marion County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 964 feet, Marion County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Marion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Marion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Arugula Planting Timeline — Marion County, IL
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Marion County
Growing Tips for Marion 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 Marion County, IL?
Marion County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Marion County, IL?
Marion County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Arugula in Marion County County, ?
In Marion County County, , plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Marion County County, for Arugula?
Marion County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Marion County County's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Marion County County's temperate climate. Marion County County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 19.
Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.