When to plant arugula in South Dakota
South Dakota’s average last spring frost is May 10, and the first fall frost typically arrives around September 25 — about 138 frost-free days (USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a). Arugula needs 30–40 days to mature, which fits comfortably within South Dakota's growing season.
When to plant arugula in South Dakota: the short answer
For a spring planting, sow Apr 7 – Apr 26. Seeds germinate in soil from 40 to 75°F.
Succession sow again in South Dakota: Apr 24 · May 6 · May 18 · May 30 · Jun 11
Spring succession stops before summer heat makes it bolt. Start sowing again in late summer for a fall crop (see the fall window above).
Windows are ~1–2 week bands around each date. Frost dates are a statewide average from NOAA/NCEI normals; your town may differ by two weeks or more. Calendar year 2026.
How to grow arugula in South Dakota, step by step
- Prepare the bed. It needs six or more hours of sun for the best growth, though four to six hours in partial shade is enough and loose soil at least 8 inches deep, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Dig in compost before planting.
- Sow outdoors (Apr 7 – Apr 26). Space plants about 4 inches apart in rows 10 inches apart, sowing seed ¼ inch deep. It handles frost well, so it can go out before the last frost date. As a cool-season crop it does best before summer heat arrives in South Dakota.
- Water and feed. Give it steady, even moisture, about an inch of water a week from rain or the hose.
- Watch for pests and problems. Pests: flea beetle, aphids, cabbage worm. Diseases and disorders: downy mildew, white rust.
- Harvest (from about May 12 – May 22). Arugula takes 30-40 days to reach harvest. One of the fastest crops - baby leaves in about 3 weeks. Turns sharp and bitter and bolts in heat, so it is a spring/fall green. Flea beetles love it; grow under mesh.
Figures come from our crop data; dates use South Dakota’s average frost dates. More in the full arugula growing guide.
Arugula planting dates by USDA zone in South Dakota
South Dakota spans USDA zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average, so the arugula dates shift with them.
When to plant arugula in nearby states
| State | Last frost | Sow |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (this page) | May 10 | Apr 7 – Apr 26 |
| North Dakota | May 15 | Apr 12 – May 1 |
| Nebraska | April 30 | Mar 28 – Apr 16 |
| Kansas | April 15 | Mar 13 – Apr 1 |
| Oklahoma | April 1 | Feb 27 – Mar 18 |
Questions gardeners in South Dakota ask
When is the best time to plant arugula in South Dakota?
Sow arugula in South Dakota between April 7 and April 26. That timing is set by South Dakota's average last spring frost of May 10.
Can I plant arugula in the fall in South Dakota?
Yes. For a fall crop, sow between August 4 and August 21, so the crop matures in cool weather before South Dakota's first frost around September 25.
When will arugula planted in South Dakota be ready to harvest?
Planted on time, arugula is usually ready from about May 12 to May 22, 30-40 days after sowing.
When is the last frost in South Dakota?
On average around May 10, with the first fall frost around September 25 - about 138 frost-free days. Your town may differ by two weeks or more.