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 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
  • 'Wild' rocket (narrow leaves)
  • Mature plant

Plant every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous supply. Leafy green plant with lobed, dark green leaves. It has a slightly spicy, nutty flavour. The spiciness intensifies as the plant gets older.

Frost tender.

Keep well watered in well drained ground. Will go to flower rapidly in hot dry weather.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Rocket

Use in salads and stir-fry.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
08 Oct 24, Petrus (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Should one nip flowers off to promote leave growth.
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11 Mar 24, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am looking for Winter Rocket..... is this just another name for seeds I buy as rocket.. or what do I look for?
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22 Mar 24, Tanya (Australia - temperate climate)
Arugula another name. You do not need to plant it every year - for example, in my garden (Perth) they grow and self-seed all year round! Just let them do their own things. Technically, my garden is in Automatic mode, other plants do exactly the same.
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19 Mar 24, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look up an internet site to see the different varieties.
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25 Feb 23, Bets (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Can I cook Rocket with spinach?
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28 Feb 23, Anonymous (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You could try a cooking website for ideas.
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26 Dec 22, Andrew Messem (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
The seeds are sprouting well but at 2.5 inches (6 cm) high they are falling over and dying. What is causing this?
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05 Jan 23, (Australia - tropical climate)
It is not recommended to grow in south african summer rainfall climate.
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12 Jan 22, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Good day to all, Where can we purchase arugula veg in Western Cape Souh Africa? Thank you
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23 Jul 22, Lilla (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
You can buy them from Seeds for Africa.
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