Rocket
Eruca vesicaria · Brassicaceae
📷 Reinhold Möller Ermell · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around rocket and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, light green
- Flowering
- Spring to summer (white or pale yellow flowers)
- Mature size
- 20-60 cm in height
- Growth
- Very fast (harvest in 4-6 weeks)
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, frost-sensitive
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and Western Asia
- Soil type
- Fertile, well-drained, light
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose régulièrement mais sans excès : la roquette déteste les pieds mouillés qui favorisent la pourriture du collet. Maintiens le sol humide mais drainant, surtout pendant la croissance. Récolte les feuilles jeunes (avant 4-5 semaines) pour éviter qu'elles ne deviennent fibreuses et trop amères.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers sèment trop serré et oublient d'éclaircir : résultat, les plants étouffent les uns les autres, poussent chétifs et montent en graine immédiatement au lieu de produire des feuilles tendres.
The pro's trick
Sème en succession toutes les 2-3 semaines plutôt qu'une seule fois : tu assures une récolte continue et régulière. Et plante-la à mi-ombre l'été pour ralentir la montaison en graine lors des fortes chaleurs.
Seasonal watch
En printemps chaud et dès avril dans le sud, elle monte en graine en 3-4 semaines : dès que tu vois le premier bouton floral, elle concentre toute son énergie dedans et les feuilles deviennent amères. Sème plutôt tôt ou attends l'automne pour les cultures longues.
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without waterlogging it. Water 2-3 times per week under normal conditions, more frequently during intense heat. Rocket appreciates consistent moisture to keep leaves tender and prevent premature bolting.
Light exposure
Prefer a sunny location (minimum 6-8 hours) or partial shade in hot climates. In intense summer heat, light shade extends the harvest period. In spring and autumn, full sun optimizes flavor.
Harvesting and cutting
Pick leaves regularly once they reach 10-15 cm, starting with the outer ones. This staggered harvesting stimulates branching and extends production. You can also cut the entire plant 4-6 weeks after sowing.
Fertilizing
Fertile soil is generally sufficient for rocket. A light application of balanced fertilizer at the start of growth can improve yields. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes bolting.
Soil
Prepare light, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal. Improve heavy soil with mature compost or sand.
Diseases and pests
Rocket is generally robust but can suffer from flea beetles (small jumping beetles) that find the foliage appetizing. Watch for aphids and slugs. Good hygiene and regular irrigation prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Rocket was already consumed by the Romans who called it "eruca" and attributed aphrodisiac properties to it. It was long an accompaniment for Mediterranean elites before becoming popular in Italian cuisine, then conquering modern tables around the world.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- CransonArmoracia rusticana
- Sea kaleCrambe maritima
- Mountain AlyssumAlyssum montanum
- Wall rock cressArabis caucasica
- Rocket SaladEruca sativa
- WasabiEutrema japonicum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.