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

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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
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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.
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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.
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Same thing happened to me they grew to a small size and stopped growing, my issue was over watering. Now I use a moisture meter about $10-$20 from large hardware shops . And they do very well. Also Liquid feed fish/seaweed every 2 weeks. Try digging out a bit of soil down to the bottom of your container and see if it is water logged?

- Helga

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