Rocket
Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa
Rocket is an annual edible herb characterized by its green, lobed or oval leaves and a distinct peppery, nutty flavor. In its seedling stage, it displays smooth, bright green, spatula-shaped leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of sunlight is ideal, though it prefers afternoon shade in hot climates.
- Water
- Requires regular watering to keep soil moist. Drought stress leads to a more pungent, bitter flavor and triggers the plant to go to seed early.
- Growth
- Annual herb; grows rapidly to a mature height of 20-100 cm (8-39 inches) depending on if it has bolted. Forms a basal rosette of leaves initially.
Care instructions
Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather to prevent bolting (premature flowering). Apply a nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer every two weeks for better leaf production.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of sunlight is ideal, though it prefers afternoon shade in hot climates.
Watering
Requires regular watering to keep soil moist. Drought stress leads to a more pungent, bitter flavor and triggers the plant to go to seed early.
Soil
Well-drained, humus-rich soil; prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range (6.0 to 7.0).
Hardiness zone
Typically grown as an annual; hardy to zones 3-11, can tolerate light frost.
Growth habit
Annual herb; grows rapidly to a mature height of 20-100 cm (8-39 inches) depending on if it has bolted. Forms a basal rosette of leaves initially.
Bloom season
Late spring to summer; produces small, creamy-white to yellowish flowers with cross-shaped petals and purple veins.
Propagation
Propagated by seed directly sown into the garden or seed trays in spring or early autumn. Space seeds 6 inches apart.
Common pests & issues
Flea beetles are the most common pest, creating small holes in leaves. Cabbage white butterflies and slugs can also be problematic. Downy mildew may occur in damp, overcrowded conditions.
Similar species
Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) looks similar but has thinner, more deeply serrated leaves and yellow flowers, with a much stronger flavor. Radish seedlings can also look similar at the sprouts stage.
Interesting facts
Rocket was mentioned by famous Roman poets like Virgil and Ovid; it was once banned from monasteries because its supposed aphrodisiac properties were thought to distract from religious duties.