Growing Rocket, also Arugula/Rucola

Eruca vesicaria : Brassicaceae / the mustard or cabbage family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
      T                
      P P     P        

(Best months for growing Rocket in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 6 - 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 21-35 days.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Lettuce

Your comments and tips

16 Mar 09, Grayham (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Greetings, My rocket has stunted growth. It did well initially but has done little since. It's come up about 10 cm but isn't florishing and the leaves are yellowing. Any ideas? Regards, Grayham
16 Aug 08, Addy (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
I grow rocket all year round here in Brisbane, I just keep picking the leaves till the plant goes to seed. To keep growing leaves I break off the budding tips and it grows almost bushy. Broccoli puts out side shoots and more florets after the first main "globe" is cut off.
16 Aug 08, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yes, Jenni, you can cut a few leaves of rocket as you need them. You will find that once it flowers, you will need to replace it. You are right about celery but broccoli will send up some side shoots after you cut the main one out and extend the harvest time.
15 Aug 08, Turnaferbit (Australia - temperate climate)
Rocket is an annual plant. It will come up from seed year after year. You will never be without it, but is easy to pull out. It is a weed in some areas. I have never liked the taste, and always thought it tasted and smelt like Turps. (yes the bottle of Turps used to remove oil paint). Try Googleing the botanical name and its chemicals, then Google those names and you will come up with a surprise............... No wonder I thought it smelt like Turps. Happy gardening Turnaferbit.
14 Aug 08, jenni (Australia - temperate climate)
I have just started a vege garden and have planted some rocket can you cut this as you need it and it regrows or is it a harvest once and the plant is finished. I also assume Celery and Broccoli are harvest once plants.
Showing 121 - 125 of 125 comments

Should you let your roquet plants flower? How do you get them to keep sprouting new leaves? If they go to flower - how long does it take for them to go to seed? Do they survive beyond the flowering period?

- Lisa Hopkinson

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