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

07 Dec 17, Bev (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Why did my rocket go straight to flower and seed after planting
10 Dec 17, Hamsa (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
When it gets hot, rocket goes to seeds, collect the seeds when they dry and sow them in autumn and you will have rocket in autumn, winter and spring
08 Dec 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably to do with the season (end of growing season). I have had coriander growing for the last 6-8 weeks or so - it receives plenty of water and the soil is fertile and it is going to seed now. Some plants only have a short life. Maybe plant it earlier next year.
30 Jul 17, Margret (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
good day, when does one harvest? and once harvested, one should sow a new batch? as replied to a question above you advise to let some go to seed - here in Durban we can sow most things through the whole year - thanks for your info - Margret
29 May 17, sarsha (Australia - temperate climate)
how long dose it tack for it to grow ,
30 May 17, Mike (Australia - arid climate)
At top of the page go to Veggies and herbs - pick rocket and your climate (temperate, cool tropical etc) and read up.
30 May 17, Sean (Australia - temperate climate)
Rocket grows very fast (like radishes) in good soil with adequate water. You could start harvesting after about 3 weeks from when the seedlings emerge.
19 Mar 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
A company called Seed Collection sells a lot of seeds. $1 a packet generally. Any thing from 20 to 400 seeds. $2 postage - free if buying $20 or more. The rocket at the moment is germinating in 72 hrs. Snow peas in 72 hrs.
28 Jan 17, Louise Caro (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The rocket planted at the beginning of January has flowered and doesn't have many leaves. None has yet been picked as it doesn't look ready. Is the time of year wrong? Or should I wait for the flowering to be over.It is in the same place in the bed as the lettuce that is thriving. Any answers - a learning gardener - very welcome. Thanks
04 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
If it is flowering it will not produce more leaves. Let it go to seed and you will have hundreds of new seeds. Save some in a paper bag or envelope with the name and date on it and then let the rest drop to the ground where they will self sow. You will have an abundance of microgreens which you can snip off with scissors and you can let some grow on to harvest the leaves. Trust this helps.
Showing 21 - 30 of 124 comments

Theyre probably bolting because of the recent high temperatures. Once plants start to go to seed, its not really possible to stop them; however you can delay them slightly. for the rocket, I wouldnt bother- it gets really tough and bitter. You can stall the basil by pinching out all of the flower heads as soon as you see them forming. It bushes out, and the new growth is still pretty tender. In the mean time sow more seeds! possibly in a shadier area if you have any.

- Gus

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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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