Guide for Germinating Rocket Seeds
In the world of salad greens, few are as quick-growing and versatile as rocket, also known as arugula. To ensure a steady supply of this peppery leaf throughout the growing season, practice succession sowing by planting seeds every 1 to 2 weeks.
Rocket thrives in moist but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Whether you're sowing seeds directly outdoors or in containers, the key is to maintain a frequently moist soil without waterlogging, which encourages steady growth.
To begin, mark out a row and sow the seeds thinly, spacing them about 3cm apart. After sowing, cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them in well using a watering can with the rose attached.
By sowing every two weeks throughout spring and summer, you'll have a continuous supply of rocket. This staggered planting ensures you always have fresh leaves ready to harvest without large gaps or gluts in production.
Rocket is a fast-growing salad green, often ready to harvest in as little as 3 weeks. To prolong leaf production, remove flower stalks as they appear.
If you're growing rocket in a greenhouse, stagger sowing every 2-3 weeks to maintain a continuous harvest cycle. Keep track of your sowing dates with a simple calendar to know when to plant the next batch.
For those seeking variety, options like 'Wasabi' rocket and 'Dragon's Tongue' rocket are available from Thompson & Morgan and Crocus. Rocket seeds can be purchased from online seed merchants such as Thompson & Morgan, Suttons, and Dobies, or even from local garden centers or allotment shops.
Rocket plants develop a long tap root and suffer with root disturbance, so it's best to sow seeds directly in good, fertile soil. For more space for developing roots, consider sowing rocket seeds into plug modules.
Rocket leaves are an excellent source of vitamins A, B and K, as well as calcium and potassium. They have good levels of vitamin C and folic acid, making them a nutritious addition to any salad or dish.
So, with a bit of planning and regular sowing, you can enjoy a continuous supply of rocket throughout the season without interruption. Happy gardening!
To cultivate rocket at home, sow seeds every 2 weeks in your home-and-garden, whether directly in the soil or containers. By maintaining a frequently moist but well-drained soil, you'll encourage steady growth of this quick-growing leaf, perfect for salads, such as rocket or arugula.
