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
          P P P        

(Best months for growing Rocket in USA - Zone 6b regions)

  • 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 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 15 - 20 cm apart
  • Harvest in 21-35 days.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Lettuce

Your comments and tips

20 Mar 16, Hilary Jeffery (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Planted rocket and they are wilting, not thriving at all. The bed also has broccoli and cauliflower, could that be affecting their growth.
28 Aug 14, Janine Golden (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does Rocket like full sun or partial sun. I planted it about 4 weeks ago..seedlings are about an inch now. Would really appreciate some advice...Thanks!!
07 Feb 14, tanja (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
I want to plant Rocket in April I have a tunnel and want to know if this is advised or not?
11 Jun 13, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can i get some seed
Showing 11 - 14 of 14 comments

You have to look through the different climate zones to see how planting times vary in different zones. By this website they advise against growing rocket in the tropics. You could counter this by putting in a very light shade cloth 10-20% if you can buy it, I have 30% cloth but it is only for protection while seedlings establish the first week after planting out. If you use artificial light it has to have red and blue light, like a fluro. Watering would be about keeping the soil moist not wet. It is a bit of trial and error to work things out when you are new to things.

- Anonymous

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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