When to plant Rocket in London

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 London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow outdoors March to September, harvest May to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow outdoorsNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Sow Small Batches

    28 Mar to 26 Sept Optional · repeat every 2 weeks

    Sow a short row or scatter seed thinly from 28 Mar - 26 Sep, about deep, and repeat every 14 days. In hot spells, give the row a little light shade so it is slower to bolt.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    7 Apr to 10 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them to apart so the leaves have room. Snip the extras at soil level and eat them.

  3. 03

    Protect From Flea Beetle

    4 Apr to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 4th April, cover young plants with fine fleece or insect mesh. That keeps flea beetle holes down while they establish, and the damage is mostly cosmetic. Also protect seedlings from slugs and snails.

    • Flea beetle shot-holes look worse than they are. Slugs on seedlings can wipe a row overnight.

  4. 04

    Keep Evenly Watered

    21 Mar to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every week

    From 21st March, water when the top of the soil begins to dry. Regular moisture, and a little light shade in hot spells, helps stop plants bolting.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    2 May to 10 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Start picking from 2nd May when the leaves are big enough to eat, then keep cutting the outer ones. You can pick through 2nd May - 10th November if you keep plants watered and cut before they get coarse.

Companion plants

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

Good companions

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.