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

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07 Nov 15, Nahrein (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy rocula/rocket seeds to grow the mature plant I've called so many places they only have the wild version it's not what I'm after. Thanks so much for your helpful website
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02 Aug 16, Nurul (Australia - temperate climate)
There's a good ebay seller called Darren from seedsforyou. He is based in Orrorroo SA and he usually posts the seedlings at a very low price, but good heirloom quality.
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24 Aug 15, Anon (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Is this compatible with any plant?
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05 Dec 14, eugene (Australia - temperate climate)
why are my plants going to seed . especially rocket. i just got my basil in and it is trying to go seed. how do i prevent it?
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08 Dec 14, Gus (Australia - temperate climate)
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.
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17 Nov 14, Jo Thorne (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, have a rocket plant and something (looks like a minute grey coloured mite) eating at it, some leaves eaten to the stem. Don't want to use harsh poisons, any suggestions. Thank you.
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28 Mar 16, Dee (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Jo Sounds like aphids? I use a soap spray for aphids (make sure to leave it one week before eating them and wash thoroughly of course) but you can find lots of alternative and natural sprays on the Gardening Australia website - just look for 'home remedies'
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05 Nov 14, Geoff (Australia - temperate climate)
Plant growing extremely well but sour tasting?
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18 Oct 14, ali (Australia - temperate climate)
do you only get one harvest from rocket plant? once it flowers and seeds? my rocket plants are now flowering and the green pods are forming. the leaves wont grow as big as before.... if i take the seed pods, when is the best time to replant??
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29 Oct 14, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Unsure where you live, I live in Sydney and plant it in winter and if you keep picking, it lasts for a long time. Once the seed pods turn light green or yellow, you pull the plant up and dry it . Once very dry, you can harvest it for replanting. I've noticed that rockets tends to bolt quickly in the hot weather and that goes for coriander too.
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Showing 41 - 50 of 125 comments
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Rocket grows well, but in no time it became extremely bitter, I cut it right back, but the new growth is the same

- Cheryl

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