Rockets in Old Grimsby

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 Old Grimsby · last frost ≈ 19 Feb

Sow December to June, harvest April to December. Frost risk December to February.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoYes
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Rocket

  1. 01

    Sow Small Batches

    20 Dec to 21 Jun every 3 weeks

    Sow a short row or scatter seed thinly around 20 Dec - 21 Jun. Sow to a depth of and repeat every 21 days for a steady run of leaves.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    31 Mar to 4 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

    28 Mar to 18 Apr

    Check from 28th March 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

    4 Apr to 3 Dec every week

    From 4th 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

    20 Apr to 3 Dec

    Start picking around 20th April when leaves are big enough to eat, then keep cutting the outer leaves as needed. Harvest can continue through 20th April - 3rd December 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.