Rockets in Galmington

Eruca vesicaria

Rocket
Rocket · Eruca vesicaria

Fast-growing leafy salad rocket for the UK garden. Sow little and often from spring to early autumn for a steady supply of peppery leaves, and keep the soil evenly moist in warm spells to slow bolting.

25 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Galmington · last frost ≈ 2 May

Sow March to September, harvest July to November. Frost risk November to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Rocket

  1. 01

    Sow Small Batches

    2 Mar to 1 Sept every 3 weeks

    Sow a short row or scatter seed thinly around 2 Mar - 1 Sep. Sow to a depth of and repeat every 21 days for a steady run of leaves.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    11 Jun to 15 Jun

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to apart so the leaves have room to size up. Snip the extras at soil level and use them in the kitchen.

  3. 03

    Protect From Flea Beetle

    8 Jun to 29 Jun

    Check from 8th June for tiny holes in the leaves, a common sign of flea beetle. Cover young plants with fine fleece or insect mesh to keep damage down while they establish.

  4. 04

    Keep Evenly Watered

    15 Jun to 4 Nov every week

    From 15th June onward, water when the top of the soil begins to dry. Regular moisture helps stop plants from bolting, especially in warm, bright weather.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    1 Jul to 4 Nov

    Start picking around 1st July when leaves are big enough to eat, then keep cutting the outer leaves as needed. Harvest can continue through 1st July - 4th November if you keep plants watered and pick before they get coarse.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Rocket.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Rocket to consider

Apollo

A quick-growing mild rocket with good leaf shape for cut-and-come-again picking.

Esmee

A reliable salad rocket with a neat habit and a steady peppery flavour.

Speedy

Selected for fast growth and useful if you want frequent small sowings.

Rocket guides by town

See how Rocket timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.