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When to plant Arugula in Cooper County, MO

Cooper County's spring Arugula window runs March 27 through April 17. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Arugula in Cooper County, MO

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.

Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.

At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Cooper County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.

Cooper County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Cooper County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Cooper County, MO

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 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30

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

198 days in Cooper County

Growing Tips for Cooper 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 Cooper County, MO?

Cooper 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 Cooper County, MO?

Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Arugula in Cooper County, MO?

In Cooper County, MO, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cooper County, MO for Arugula?

Cooper 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 Cooper County's climate?

Yes — Arugula grows well in Cooper County's temperate climate. Cooper County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Cooper County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cooper 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 Cooper County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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