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When to Plant Arugula in Cherokee County, TX

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.

Cherokee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.

At an elevation of 339 feet, Cherokee County receives approximately 68.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Arugula may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Arugula will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Arugula root diseases.

Cherokee County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
255 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
255 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Cherokee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 12.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Arugula Planting Timeline — Cherokee County, TX

Arugula Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 30 Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 13
Harvest April 10 Apr 10 – Jun 12
Fall Sowing September 7 Sep 7 – Sep 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September Fall Sowing
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

255 days in Cherokee County

Growing Tips for Cherokee 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 Cherokee County, TX?

Cherokee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cherokee County, TX?

Cherokee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 16.

🌱

Your Cherokee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cherokee County (Zone 8b). 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 Cherokee County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.