Large rocket is a bushy herbaceous plant and – shall we say – a bit invasive, reaching 20 to 30 cm in height. Its leaves are eaten raw and used as a condiment. They are especially used to flavor mescluns, milder lettuce salads and sauced dishes. How to grow it in the garden?

 

Wild, Yellow, Annual Rockets: What Are the Differences?

Perennial rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides) is part of the list of perennial vegetables. It has more cut leaves and a bit stronger than those of the annual rocket. They grow especially in autumn and spring, in periods favorable for their consumption.

 

For wild rocket, yellow rocket or ricketta (Diplotaxis tenuifolia), it is sown and cultivated between March and late autumn. Its leaves are more finely cut and have a really strong peppery flavor. The plant becomes covered in yellow flowers as autumn approaches and survives the winter.

 

What Are Arugula’s Needs?

arugula cultivation requires fresh and fertile soil, rich in humus. It must be well ventilated, regularly weeded. In order to germinate, seeds sown in summer need to be protected in partial shade while those sown in spring benefit from exposure to the sun.

 

Rocket Seed

Sowing rocket is ideally done in March under a shelter, in its place or in a bucket, after the big frosts have passed. A few plants are enough for the needs of a small family.

 

Young shoots are quickly thinned to 10 cm and then watered regularly. The sowing period can be extended until September and repeated 3 or 4 times a year. rocket does have an unfortunate tendency to go to seed very quickly. Lightly watered, its leaves also quickly become very spicy.

 

Rocket: What Maintenance?

Growing arugula requires little maintenance other than regular watering in hot weather which delays flowering and preserves its flavor and freshness. Weeding from time to time is helpful, especially to control many spontaneous seedlings.

 

Pests And Diseases

Cabbage worm and flea beetles are the main rocket pests. In the dry season, the latter grab the leaves with many small holes. As they hate water, watering or spraying the leaves in the early morning and early afternoon will repel them.

 

New shoots of rocket are also on the menu of cabbage maggots in early and throughout the summer. These can then cause serious damage. A Thuringia bacillus spray is effective in eliminating them. It is also possible to protect the plants by placing insect nets over the crops.