When to plant Arugula in Cedar Point, IL
For Cedar Point, gardeners: plant Arugula April 8 through April 29 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Cedar Point, IL
Your June planting checklist for LaSalle County, Illinois
June is a pivotal month for LaSalle County, Illinois gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick arugula
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: arugula
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.
Cedar Point, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 523 feet, LaSalle County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Arugula to ensure they mature before fall.
Cedar Point Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Arugula 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.
Soil Compatibility in Cedar Point
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.9) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in LaSalle County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Arugula will thrive.
How to Plant Arugula
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Arugula
Sow every 3.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 05.
Arugula Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Arugula
Arugula needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Arugula Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in LaSalle County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Arugula Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Arugula Planting Timeline — Cedar Point, IL
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 5 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
175 days in LaSalle County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Cedar Point
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 22 in LaSalle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 175.0-day season in LaSalle County allows multiple plantings of Arugula. Sow every 15.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Arugula in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
When should I plant Arugula in Cedar Point, IL?
In Cedar Point, IL, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cedar Point, IL for Arugula?
Cedar Point sits in USDA Zone 5b. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Cedar Point's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Cedar Point's temperate climate. Cedar Point averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.
Your LaSalle County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for LaSalle County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.