When to plant Arugula in Ellis County, KS
For Arugula in Ellis County, the safe spring window opens around April 10 and closes around May 1. Last expected frost is April 24, first fall frost October 15, giving a 174-day growing season. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Ellis County, KS
Top priorities for Ellis County, Kansas gardeners in July
A quick July briefing for Ellis County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start harvesting arugula
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- Fall sowing: 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.
Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 664 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 20.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Ellis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Ellis County
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) overlaps with Arugula's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ellis County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Arugula.
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 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Arugula Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 2.1" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.6" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 2.5" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.6" | 1.7" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.6" | 1.2" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ellis 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 — Ellis County, KS
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
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 Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Ellis County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Ellis County
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 24 in Ellis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 174.0-day season in Ellis 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Ellis County, KS?
Ellis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ellis County, KS?
Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Arugula in Ellis County, KS?
In Ellis County, KS, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ellis County, KS for Arugula?
Ellis 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 Ellis County's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Ellis County's temperate climate. Ellis County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.
Your Ellis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ellis 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.