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
    P P P P P P P P    

(Best months for growing Rocket in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • 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 Dec 17, Bev (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Why did my rocket go straight to flower and seed after planting
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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
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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.
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29 May 17, sarsha (Australia - temperate climate)
how long dose it tack for it to grow ,
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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14 Dec 16, Ann Leckning (Australia - temperate climate)
How do you stop rocket from flowering and if it does do you remove the flower heads to prolong the plant ? I'm a complete novice so any information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you Regards Ann.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 103 comments
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Hello, I have planted rocket for the first time....I have picket continuously leaves ..my question is when they flower ....i was told to keep seeds for the next year and I also want to give to some old ladies...but I dont know when to pick the seeds...i know your probably laughing ..are the seeds on top of the flower or are they the long green bean looking from the stem.??? also a tip the Greeks and Italians also boil them, drain and add olive oil and lemon and they don't taste bitter at all just like we do with silverbeet..

- mary

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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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