rocket - cultivated
rocket garden cultivated or Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
Grown mainly for its leaves that are rich in Vitamin C, helping the absorption of iron, the four petalled flowers are white and also edible. Cultivated rocket has a milder flavour than wild rocket.
First introduced to the UK by the Romans, this delicious herb adds a peppery flavour to salads and pizzas. Frequent cutting will promote tender new growth.
First introduced to the UK by the Romans, this delicious herb adds a peppery flavour to salads and pizzas. Frequent cutting will promote tender new growth.
How to care for rocket cultivated:
Keep well watered in dry weather to prevent the leaves becoming too peppery or bitter. Pick leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth, and sow every few weeks for a continuous harvest. Cover with fleece if the appearance of small holes in the foliage (flea beetles) become a problem.
Sowing instructions:
Choose a sheltered spot and sow sparingly direct where they are to grow from March to September. Keep well watered and thin seedlings to 10cm (4in) apart as they emerge.
Pick leaves over regularly to keep the plants from bolting (running to seed) but don't pick the central crown so that more can re-grow. Rocket tends to bolt quickly in hot conditions, so in dry summers stop sowing in July and August and start again in autumn for a late crop.
Protect autumn/winter crops with a cloche or fleece.
Pick leaves over regularly to keep the plants from bolting (running to seed) but don't pick the central crown so that more can re-grow. Rocket tends to bolt quickly in hot conditions, so in dry summers stop sowing in July and August and start again in autumn for a late crop.
Protect autumn/winter crops with a cloche or fleece.
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 5000 seeds
£2.99
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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