When to plant Arugula in Old Appleton, MO
Spring Arugula in Old Appleton goes in March 27–April 17, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Arugula in Old Appleton, MO
June to-do list for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harvest arugula as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Old Appleton, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Cape Girardeau County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Arugula during the growing season.
Old Appleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Old Appleton
How your county's soil matches Arugula's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Arugula prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cape Girardeau County is excellent for Arugula — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 Sep 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cape Girardeau 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 — Old Appleton, 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 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
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
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
30–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Cape Girardeau County
Growing Tips for Arugula in Old Appleton
Direct sow Arugula outdoors after April 10 in Cape Girardeau County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 194.0-day season in Cape Girardeau 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 Old Appleton, MO?
In Old Appleton, MO, plant Arugula after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Old Appleton, MO for Arugula?
Old Appleton sits in USDA Zone 7a. Arugula grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Arugula grow in Old Appleton's climate?
Yes — Arugula grows well in Old Appleton's temperate climate. Old Appleton averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.
Your Cape Girardeau County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cape Girardeau County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.