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Growing Rocket, also Arugula/Rucola

(Eruca vesicaria)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    S P P     P P      

(Best months for planting Rocket in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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: Lettuce
  • 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


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11 Sep 11, kim (USA - Zone 5a climate)
In late August I planted second crops of my early spring crops - rocket, lettuce, chard, kale. Worthy experiment? Any others I should have tried?
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In late August I planted second crops of my early spring crops - rocket, lettuce, chard, kale. Worthy experiment? Any others I should have tried?

- kim


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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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