Sow
Rocket likes in a sunny site with rich, fertile, well-drained soil. It also grows well in containers.
Sow direct outdoors from April to early September, scattering the seeds thinly along a drill, 0.5â1cm (¼â½in) deep. If sowing several rows, space them 15cm (6in) apart.
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For a continuous supply of leaves, sow small batches every two to three weeks.
Thin out the seedlings to 15cm (6in) apart when theyâre large enough to handle, and use the thinnings in salads.
If you allow some plants to flower and produce seeds, theyâll self-sow to give you new plants without any effort.
For autumn and winter crops, sow in August and September in a cool greenhouse or under cloches or fleece.
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Grow
Keep the soil moist, watering in dry spells, to ensure consistent growth and prevent plants running to seed (bolting) prematurely. However, take care not to overwater, as this can dilute the taste.
Weed between the plants regularly.
Itâs best to give rocket some shade in hot weather, to prevent the leaves becoming tough and unpalatable. Cover with fleece or make summer sowings in a spot that gets some light shade.
Common problems
Flea beetle
Leaves are covered in small holes and damaged areas turn brown. Seedlings are particularly susceptible.
Remedy
Grow plants under horticultural fleece and keep the soil moist. Water in nitrogen-rich fertilser to help the crop outgrow the pest.
Bolting
Plants flower and set seed prematurely.
Remedy
Unless growing for seed sow bolt-resistant varieties. Sow or plant at the correct time and keep the soil or compost moist.
Harvesting
Rocket can provide pickings from early summer through autumn and into winter, if repeat sowings are made.
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You can start harvesting the leaves from about four weeks after sowing. Regular picking keeps growth young, tender and tasty.
Pick a few leaves from each plant along the row. If you take lots of leaves from just one plant, youâll weaken the growth.
As flower buds appear, pinch them out to prolong cropping, unless you want the plant to produce seeds. The flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish for salads.
Recipes
Use your home-grown rocket leaves in all kinds of salads, including this delicious combination: roasted squash, sheepâs cheese and hazelnut salad.
Recommended Varieties
âSky Rocketâ
Combines the flavour of wild rocket with salad rocket’s speed of growth
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