Description
‘Rocket Salad’ or ‘Cultivated’ Rocket is a classic salad rocket, also known as arugula. It has beautiful oakleaf type leaves, typically found in salad mixes, the rounded leaves gives a salad an attractive, three-dimensional texture.
Used fresh, salad rocket adds a peppery note to salads, this aromatic salad green is ideal as a bed for seafood but also makes a wonderful salad on its own.
Cooked lightly it can be added to stir-fries, it also makes a delicious spinach substitute.
After the plants flower, the leaves can still be used but taste is sharper. The flowers are also edible.
Find your Climate Zone
Method: Sow seeds
| Soil Temp: 10°C - 25°C
|
Cool Mountain: Mar/May - Sep/Nov
| Position: Part shade
|
Arid: May/Mar - Aug/Nov
| Row Spacing: 10 cm apart
|
Temperate: Mar/May - Aug/Nov
| Planting Depth: 1 mm
|
Sub Tropical: Mar - Oct
| Harvest: 50 days
|
Tropical: Not recommended
| Plant Height: 30cm
|
Preparing the Soil
- Rocket thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Adjust the soil pH if necessary using lime to increase pH or sulphur to lower pH.
- Choose a Location of full sunlight to partial shade is ideal.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of about 30 cm. Incorporate well-composted organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Sowing Seeds
- Directly sow seeds in rows or scatter them in a bed.
- Space seeds about 10 cm apart and cover lightly with soil.
- Water gently after sowing to ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Care and Maintenance
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
- Rocket grows best with regular watering.
Thinning:
- If seedlings are crowded, thin them to about 10 cm apart to allow for good air circulation and growth.
Fertilising:
- Use a balanced fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season to promote lush growth.
Pest and Disease Management
Rocket can be susceptible to pests like aphids and cabbage white butterflies. Here are some management strategies:
Companion Planting:
- Planting alongside carrots, onions, or garlic can deter pests.
Natural Predators:
- Encourage ladybugs and lacewings in your garden to control aphids.
Netting:
- Use insect netting to protect plants from larger pests like butterflies.
Harvesting
Timing:
- Rocket leaves can be harvested 3 to 4 weeks after sowing, once they reach about 10 cm in height.
Method:
Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
If allowed to flower, rocket will become bitter.
Companion Planting
Companion planting can enhance the growth of rocket and protect it from pests. Here are some beneficial companions:
Carrots:
- Help to aerate the soil and do not compete for nutrients.
Onions and Garlic:
- Their strong scent deters aphids and other pests.
Basil:
- Can improve rocket’s growth and flavour.
Avoid planting rocket near members of the cabbage family (e.g., kale, broccoli), as they can compete for nutrients and attract the same pests.
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