When to plant arugula in Prineville, OR

Plant arugula from seed, directly in the garden in Prineville, Apr 20 – Jun 1. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 4–25.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Difficulty: Easy
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Spacing: Thin to 4 inches apart
Planting depth: ¼ inch deep
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: About 35 days after planting

Why these dates

Prineville's typical last spring frost is June 1. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the high desert and mountains, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 20.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

How to grow arugula in Prineville

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 20 – Jun 1, ¼ inch deep, Thin to 4 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Aug 4–25 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Pick leaves when they're 2 to 3 inches long, about three weeks after sowing. Young leaves are the mildest.

Key numbers

40–85°FSoil to sprout
6.0–7.0Soil pH
About 3–5 weeksDays to harvest
Flea beetlesBiggest risk

Growing notes

What makes the difference in Northwest gardens, in plain language.

Soil and sowing

Arugula isn't fussy. Ordinary garden soil with a little compost and a pH of about 6.0 to 7.0 grows it well. It sprouts in cool soil, often within a week, so it's one of the first crops you can sow in spring. Scatter seed thinly, cover lightly, and keep the soil moist. Thin plants to about 4 inches apart and eat the thinnings. Steady moisture keeps leaves tender and mild; dry soil makes them tough and peppery.

Why arugula bolts and gets spicy

Arugula is a cool-season green that flowers as days get long and warm. Heat and drought speed this up and make the leaves sharper. Sow small batches every two or three weeks in spring, take a break in midsummer or give it afternoon shade, then sow again in late summer for fall. Fall arugula is often the best, and west of the Cascades it can last well into winter under row cover. Wild arugula (Sylvetta) grows slower, handles heat better and often comes back from the roots.

Flea beetles and harvest

Flea beetles are tiny black beetles that jump like fleas and chew small round holes in leaves, especially in warm spring weather. Lay row cover on right after sowing and seal the edges; damage drops off once plants grow fast or the weather cools. Pick leaves when 2 to 3 inches long, cutting outer leaves or shearing the whole patch an inch above the soil to regrow. If plants bolt, the small white flowers are edible and mild. Store leaves in a sealed container in the fridge for several days.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Prineville, OR?

Typically June 1. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 22. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Prineville.

Is it too late to plant arugula in Prineville?

The spring planting window runs through June 1. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 4 to August 25.

How long until I can harvest arugula?

About 35 days after planting. Pick leaves when they're 2 to 3 inches long, about three weeks after sowing. Young leaves are the mildest.

What is making tiny holes in my arugula?

Flea beetles. They're worst in spring. Cover seedlings with floating row cover from sowing day, and keep plants growing quickly with steady water.

Why is my arugula so bitter?

Heat, dry soil, and age all make arugula stronger. Pick leaves young and keep the soil moist. Spring and fall crops are mildest.

Does arugula grow back after cutting?

Yes, if you cut an inch or so above the crown, it will regrow for a few more harvests. Production slows once the plant starts to bolt. Sow a fresh batch every few weeks for a steady supply.

Also plant in Prineville around the same time

Planting dates for arugula in nearby areas

Bend and Redmond, OR Apr 28 – Jun 9
Klamath Falls, OR Apr 28 – Jun 9
Burns, OR Apr 30 – Jun 11
Madras, OR Apr 20 – Jun 1
Lakeview, OR Apr 23 – Jun 4
Baker City, OR Apr 20 – Jun 1

Full planting calendar for Prineville · Arugula in every city