my LocalPlanting

When to Plant Arugula in Fairbanks, Alaska (99708)

Location

Fairbanks, Alaska

ZIP Code

99708

USDA Zone

2a

Last Frost

Monday, June 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Monday, May 4, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, June 1, 2026 · Zone 2a

Pro tip: Sow Arugula directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
Days to Maturity 40 days
Mature Height 6-12"
Spread 6"
Type Leaf
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Regular (keep moist)

↔️

Spacing

6" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 3-7 days

Ready to Plant Arugula in Fairbanks?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, May 4, 2026.

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🤝 Good Companions

CarrotLettuceRadishBean
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Arugula

See which plants help Arugula thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let plants bolt and seed pods dry on the stalk. Harvest before pods shatter.

Processing

Cut stalks into a bag, dry, thresh to separate seeds from pods.

Seed Viability

Up to 5 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Arugula cross-pollinates readily — isolate by 300 feet from other arugula varieties for pure seed.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Arugula. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Arugula in Fairbanks, Alaska? +

In Fairbanks (Zone 2a), direct sow Arugula outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska? +

The average last spring frost date for Fairbanks, Alaska (ZIP 99708) is around Monday, June 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 2a.

How long does Arugula take to grow? +

Arugula typically matures in about 40 days from direct sowing. In Fairbanks, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, May 4, 2026 plus 40 days.

Should I start Arugula indoors or direct sow in Alaska? +

Arugula does best when direct sown outdoors. In Fairbanks, sow directly around Monday, May 4, 2026.

Other Plants for Fairbanks

Growing Arugula in Zone 2a

Arugula (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) is a popular garden vegetable. In Fairbanks, Alaska, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a, you should direct sow seeds around Monday, May 4, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, June 1, 2026. Arugula grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.