Growing Arugula in Georgia: Adapting to a Warm Climate

Arugula, a cool-season leafy green, can be grown successfully in Georgia with some adjustments for the state’s warmer climate. Georgia’s long growing season allows for multiple plantings, but arugula grows best in early spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler. Here’s a guide to growing arugula in Georgia.

1. Choosing the Right Arugula Variety for Georgia

In Georgia’s warm climate, it’s important to choose heat-tolerant arugula varieties, especially for spring plantings.

  • ‘Astro’: This fast-growing variety matures quickly and is more heat-tolerant than other arugula types, making it a great choice for Georgia’s climate.
  • ‘Rocket’: A traditional variety with a peppery flavor, though it may bolt quickly if planted too late in the spring.
  • ‘Sylvetta’ (Wild Arugula): This variety is slower to bolt and has a stronger, spicier flavor, making it a good option for warm climates like Georgia.

2. Planting Time

Georgia’s climate allows for multiple planting seasons for arugula. To avoid the heat, plant arugula during the cooler parts of the year.

  • Spring Planting: Plant arugula seeds as early as February or March, depending on your location in Georgia. Arugula can tolerate light frosts, so early planting is recommended to take advantage of the cool weather before temperatures rise.
  • Fall Planting: For a fall crop, plant arugula in September or October. Fall is often the best time for growing arugula in Georgia because the cooler temperatures in fall help prevent bolting.

3. Soil Preparation

Arugula grows well in well-drained, fertile soil. Georgia’s soil types can vary, so it’s important to improve the soil quality before planting.

  • Soil Amendments: Work in compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, raised beds or containers can help provide better growing conditions for arugula.
  • Soil pH: Arugula prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Test your soil before planting and adjust if necessary.

4. Planting Techniques

Arugula is easy to grow from seed, and in Georgia, it can be direct-seeded into the garden or started indoors for early spring crops.

  • Seed Spacing: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 1 inch apart. Thin the seedlings to about 4 to 6 inches apart when they are a few inches tall.
  • Succession Planting: To enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh arugula, plant new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks throughout the growing season.

5. Watering and Mulching

Georgia’s warm climate can cause arugula to become bitter or bolt if the plants are stressed by heat or lack of water.

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during warmer days. Arugula prefers regular watering to prevent it from becoming too bitter.
  • Mulching: Mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool, particularly during warmer periods in the spring.

6. Pest and Disease Management

In Georgia, the warm weather can attract pests and increase the likelihood of diseases.

  • Flea Beetles: Flea beetles are a common pest that can damage arugula leaves. Use row covers or insecticidal soap to protect the plants.
  • Downy Mildew: Warm, humid conditions can lead to downy mildew. Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and water at the base of the plant rather than overhead.

7. Fertilizing

Arugula is a light feeder but benefits from fertile soil.

  • Compost: Incorporate compost into the soil before planting to provide a steady supply of nutrients.
  • Fertilizer: If needed, use a balanced, organic fertilizer once during the growing season to support growth, especially in poor soils.

8. Harvesting Arugula in Georgia

Arugula grows quickly, and you can start harvesting as early as 20-30 days after planting.

  • Baby Greens: For tender, mild-tasting leaves, harvest when the leaves are about 2 to 3 inches long. Cut the outer leaves first and let the inner leaves continue growing for multiple harvests.
  • Mature Greens: If you prefer a stronger flavor, wait until the plant is about 6 to 8 inches tall before harvesting.

Conclusion

Growing arugula in Georgia requires adapting to the state’s warm climate by planting during the cooler parts of the year and providing consistent moisture and protection from heat. With the right timing and care, you can enjoy multiple arugula crops throughout the year, adding fresh, peppery greens to your meals.