Rockets in Lower Ninnes

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 Lower Ninnes · last frost ≈ 30 Mar

Sow March to April, harvest May to June. Frost risk November to March.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Rocket

  1. 01

    Sow Small Batches

    23 Mar to 6 Apr every week

    Sow a short row or scatter seed thinly around 23 Mar - 6 Apr. Sow to a depth of and repeat every 7 days for a steady run of leaves.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    9 Apr to 13 Apr

    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

    6 Apr to 27 Apr

    Check from 6th April 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

    13 Apr to 28 Jun every week

    From 13th April 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

    18 May to 28 Jun

    Start picking around 18th May when leaves are big enough to eat, then keep cutting the outer leaves as needed. Harvest can continue through 18th May - 28th June 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.