Wild Rocket Sylvetta

Wild Rocket Sylvetta: variety and characteristics

Wild Rocket Sylvetta (Eruca sativa) is an annual herb of the Cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Sylvetta rocket is a perennial that germinates and grows more slowly, but is much more aromatic.

Use baby leaves no longer than 10-15 cm.

It can be harvested several times. An easy variety to grow, even in dry soils.

The leaves can be eaten raw to enrich salads, in cold dishes, or cooked for about 10 minutes.

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: 94%
• Seeds per packet: 3060–4140 pcs (0.9 g)
• Seed origin: Italy
• Sowing: February – September; direct
• Flowering: April and May
• Harvest: March – November
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Wild Rocket Sylvetta

Wild Rocket Sylvetta seeds are sown in February – September. The plants flower in April and May. Harvest takes place from March to November. 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 Wild Rocket Sylvetta

• 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 grows best in sun or partial shade. Choose a spot that will receive at least 3 hours of full sun every day. Outdoors, rocket can be grown from late March to late September, and in greenhouses all year round, thanks to its short growing season. Plants need well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting. Rocket can also be grown in containers. If possible, choose a variety recommended for container growing. Use a good-quality potting mix and make sure your container is large enough for mature rocket plants – a minimum of 20 litres is recommended. During the growing season, bear in mind that plants grown in containers may need additional feed to encourage healthy growth. Rocket seeds can be sown directly in the garden or container. Sow directly in March at 0.3 cm depth and 10 cm apart, with rows 30 cm apart. Keep the soil moist, but never wet or dry. The seeds should germinate in about 10-21 days at a soil temperature of 15-20°C.

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 Wild Rocket Sylvetta be sown?

The recommended months for sowing are February – September. Sowing method: direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 3060–4140 seeds, pack size 0.9 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 94%. 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.