When to Plant Arugula in Fort Bend 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.
Fort Bend County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 90 feet, Fort Bend County receives approximately 70.9 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.
Fort Bend County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.4
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 12.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Fort Bend County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Arugula Planting Timeline — Fort Bend County, TX
Arugula Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Direct Sow | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 14 |
| Harvest | March 21 | Mar 21 – May 23 |
| Fall Sowing | October 13 | Oct 13 – Oct 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Fort Bend County
Growing Tips for Fort Bend 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Arugula in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Arugula in Fort Bend County, TX?
Fort Bend County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Arugula planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fort Bend County, TX?
Fort Bend County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 8.
Your Fort Bend County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fort Bend County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.