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When to plant Arugula in Ottawa County, KS

Plant Arugula in Ottawa County after April 14; the prime window is March 31–April 21. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Ottawa County, KS

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.

Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 993 feet, Ottawa County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.

Ottawa County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Ottawa County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ottawa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Arugula Planting Timeline — Ottawa County, KS

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Direct Sow March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 21
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jul 21
Fall Sowing August 14 Aug 14 – Aug 28

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 Ottawa County

Growing Tips for Ottawa 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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Arugula in Ottawa County, KS?

Ottawa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ottawa County, KS?

Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Arugula in Ottawa County, KS?

In Ottawa County, KS, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ottawa County, KS for Arugula?

Ottawa 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 Ottawa County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Ottawa County's temperate climate. Ottawa County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Ottawa County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ottawa 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Ottawa County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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