Mississippi’s long, hot summers mean arugula must be planted early enough to mature before heat stress sets in. The best time to plant arugula in mississippi is during the cool seasons of early spring and late fall, when temperatures stay between 45°F and 65°F. This timing helps you avoid the bitter, bolting leaves that come with summer heat.
Arugula grows fast, usually ready to harvest in 20 to 40 days. You can get two full crops each year if you time it right. Let’s break down exactly when and how to plant for success in Mississippi’s unique climate.
Best Time To Plant Arugula In Mississippi
In Mississippi, you have two main windows for planting arugula. The first is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. The second is in late summer or early fall, for a harvest before the first hard frost.
For spring planting, aim for late February to mid-March in southern Mississippi. In northern parts of the state, wait until mid-March to early April. Soil temperature should be at least 40°F, but arugula seeds can germinate in soil as cold as 35°F.
For fall planting, start seeds from late August to mid-September. This gives arugula time to mature before the first frost, which usually hits in October or November depending on your location.
Why Timing Matters So Much
Arugula is a cool-season crop. When temperatures rise above 75°F, the plant starts to bolt—meaning it sends up a flower stalk and the leaves become bitter and tough. Mississippi summers are long and hot, so missing the planting window means losing your crop.
Spring planted arugula should be harvested by late April or early May. Fall planted arugula can often be harvested into December, especially with a little frost protection.
Check Your Local Frost Dates
Your exact planting dates depend on your area’s last spring frost and first fall frost. Here are general guidelines for Mississippi:
- Northern Mississippi (like Tupelo or Oxford): Last frost around March 20–April 5. First frost around October 15–November 1.
- Central Mississippi (like Jackson or Meridian): Last frost around March 10–25. First frost around October 25–November 10.
- Southern Mississippi (like Gulfport or Biloxi): Last frost around February 20–March 10. First frost around November 5–20.
Count back 30 to 40 days from your expected last frost date for spring planting. For fall, count back 30 to 40 days from your first frost date.
How To Plant Arugula In Mississippi Soil
Arugula grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Mississippi’s soil is often acidic, especially in the Pine Belt region. Test your soil and add lime if needed to raise the pH.
Follow these steps for planting:
- Prepare the bed by removing weeds and rocks. Loosen the soil to about 6 inches deep.
- Mix in 1 to 2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Sow seeds directly in the garden, about ¼ inch deep. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 10 to 12 inches apart.
- Cover seeds lightly with soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist until seeds germinate, which takes 5 to 10 days.
- Once seedlings have 2 to 3 true leaves, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart. You can eat the thinnings!
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
To get a steady supply of arugula, plant a new batch every 2 to 3 weeks during your planting windows. This works well in both spring and fall. For example, plant seeds on March 1, then again on March 15, and once more on April 1.
In fall, start succession planting from late August through mid-September. Each planting gives you fresh leaves for about 3 to 4 weeks.
Caring For Arugula In Mississippi’s Climate
Arugula needs consistent moisture, especially during the warmer parts of spring. Water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Mulch around the plants with straw or shredded leaves to keep the soil cool and moist.
Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) once the seedlings are a few inches tall. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can make leaves taste too strong.
Dealing With Pests And Diseases
In Mississippi, common arugula pests include flea beetles, aphids, and slugs. Flea beetles make small holes in leaves, but they rarely kill the plant. Use row covers to protect young seedlings. For aphids, spray with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
Diseases like downy mildew can occur in humid conditions. Space plants well for air circulation and avoid overhead watering in the evening. If you see yellow spots on leaves, remove affected plants to prevent spread.
Harvesting Arugula Leaves
You can start harvesting when leaves are 3 to 4 inches long, usually about 20 to 30 days after planting. Pick outer leaves first, leaving the inner rosette to keep growing. This method gives you multiple harvests from the same plant.
For a full harvest, cut the entire plant about 1 inch above the soil line. New growth may appear if the weather stays cool. Stop harvesting once the plant starts to bolt—the leaves will be too bitter.
Fall And Winter Arugula In Mississippi
Fall is actually the best season for arugula in Mississippi. Cooler temperatures and shorter days produce sweeter, more tender leaves. You can often harvest into December with minimal protection.
For extended harvests, use a cold frame or row cover. These simple structures can protect plants from light frosts and keep the soil warmer. In southern Mississippi, arugula sometimes survives the entire winter under cover.
Planting For A Winter Harvest
If you want arugula in December or January, plant seeds in early October in southern Mississippi. Use a cold frame or thick mulch of straw. The plants will grow slowly but produce small, flavorful leaves through the winter.
In northern Mississippi, winter arugula is riskier but possible with heavy protection. Try planting in a greenhouse or using floating row covers combined with a low tunnel.
Common Mistakes When Planting Arugula In Mississippi
Many gardeners make these errors. Avoid them for better results:
- Planting too late in spring. If you wait until April, the heat will hit before the arugula matures.
- Planting too early in fall. August heat can kill young seedlings. Wait until late August or early September.
- Overcrowding. Thin seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart. Crowded plants compete for water and nutrients.
- Letting soil dry out. Arugula needs consistent moisture. Dry soil makes leaves tough and bitter.
- Ignoring soil pH. Acidic soil below pH 6.0 stunts growth. Add lime if needed.
Best Arugula Varieties For Mississippi
Some arugula varieties handle heat better than others. For spring planting, choose slow-bolting types. For fall, any variety works well.
- ‘Astro’ – A standard variety that’s slow to bolt. Good for spring.
- ‘Sylvetta’ – Wild arugula with smaller, more pungent leaves. Tolerates heat better.
- ‘Apollo’ – A hybrid that stays tender longer in warm weather.
- ‘Wasabi’ – A spicy variety that adds kick to salads. Good for fall.
- ‘Rocket’ – The classic Italian arugula. Grows fast and reliably.
Growing Arugula In Containers In Mississippi
If your garden soil is heavy clay or you have limited space, grow arugula in containers. Use a pot at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill with quality potting mix.
Place containers in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. This helps keep the soil cool during hot spells. Water containers more often than garden beds, as they dry out faster.
You can move containers to a shaded porch or garage during heat waves to extend the harvest. This is a great trick for spring arugula in Mississippi.
Companion Planting With Arugula
Arugula grows well with many vegetables. Good companions include:
- Lettuce and other leafy greens
- Carrots and radishes
- Onions and garlic
- Beets and spinach
- Tomatoes and peppers (in fall, after arugula is done)
Avoid planting arugula near strawberries or pole beans, as they may compete for nutrients. Also keep it away from other brassicas like cabbage and broccoli to reduce pest problems.
Using Arugula In Your Kitchen
Arugula adds a peppery kick to salads, sandwiches, and pasta. It’s also great on pizza or blended into pesto. Harvest leaves in the morning for the best flavor and texture.
Store unwashed arugula in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. It keeps for about 5 to 7 days. Wash just before using to prevent wilting.
If you have more arugula than you can eat, try drying it. Spread leaves on a baking sheet and dry in a low oven (150°F) for 2 to 3 hours. Crumble dried arugula into soups and stews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant arugula in summer in Mississippi?
It’s not recommended. Summer heat causes arugula to bolt quickly, producing bitter leaves. If you try, plant in a shaded spot and keep soil consistently moist. Even then, harvest will be short.
How late can I plant arugula in fall in Mississippi?
In southern Mississippi, you can plant as late as mid-October for a winter harvest. In northern areas, plant by mid-September. Use cold frames or row covers for best results.
Should I start arugula seeds indoors?
No need. Arugula germinates quickly in cool soil and transplants poorly. Direct sow seeds in the garden for the best results.
How often should I water arugula in Mississippi?
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. In sandy soil, you may need to water more often. Check soil moisture 1 inch below the surface—if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Can I grow arugula year-round in Mississippi?
With protection, yes. In southern Mississippi, arugula can grow through winter under row covers. In summer, it’s too hot. So you get about 8 to 9 months of growing time each year.
Final Tips For Success
Planting arugula in Mississippi is simple if you follow the seasons. Focus on early spring and fall for the best harvests. Keep soil moist and cool, and don’t let plants get too crowded.
Remember that arugula grows fast, so check your garden every few days. Harvest leaves when they’re young and tender for the best flavor. With proper timing, you can enjoy fresh arugula from your garden for months.
If you miss the spring window, don’t worry—fall is just as good. Mark your calendar for late August and start planning your fall garden now. Your taste buds will thank you.