Rocket

Rocket — variety description

Rocket (Eruca sativa) is an annual herb of the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Rocket is one of the nutritious leafy green vegetables of Mediterranean origin.

It is a small, low-growing annual herb with succulent, elongated, lobed leaves with green veins.

Like other vegetables, rocket is also one of the very low-calorie vegetables. 100 g fresh leaves contain only 25 calories.

However, it contains many vital phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which can be extremely beneficial to health.

Rocket leaves contain a sufficient amount of minerals, especially copper and iron.

In addition, it has small amounts of some other essential minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, iron, potassium, manganese and phosphorus.

In Rome, Italy, rocket is used in a special meat dish called straccietti, which is thin slices of beef with raw rocket and Parmesan.

Rocket is a spicy, nutty-peppery salad that grows for 4–6 weeks and is cut repeatedly.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 95%
• Pack size: 4 g
• Seed origin: Italy
• Sowing: March – June; direct
• Flowering: June – September
• Harvest: June – October
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Rocket

Rocket seeds are sown in March – June. The plants flower from June to September. Harvest in June – October. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Rocket

• Sowing method: direct
• Depth: 0.5–1 cm
• Spacing: 10–15 cm
• Germination: 3–7 days at 10–20 °C
• Position: sun to partial shade

Rocket prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sunlight to thrive. In general, rocket grows to about 90 cm in height with creamy-white edible flowers. The leaves can be ready to eat within 40 days of sowing the seeds. The young, tender leaves are less peppery and sweeter, in contrast to the strong, spicy flavour of mature ones.

Sow in several batches in spring and late summer; in hot weather it bolts and becomes very hot-tasting. Water regularly.

Harvest and use

Cut the leaves at 8–10 cm — the plant will shoot again.

Frequently asked questions

When should Rocket be sown?

The recommended months for sowing are March – June. Sowing method: direct.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 95%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Why is rocket too hot?

From heat and dryness. Sow in spring and autumn and water regularly.