Rocket
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa · Easy
A compact peppery leaf crop that can be harvested repeatedly and grows well in containers.
Sow
Direct sow from March to September, extending later with protection.
Plant
Best direct sown to avoid disturbing its tap root.
Harvest
From about four weeks, then pick regularly.
Practical growing notes
Give rocket the right space.
- Plant spacing
- Thin to roughly 10–15 cm for larger plants.
- Light
- Full sun or partial shade.
- Containers
- Excellent in pots and troughs.
Why grow it?
Fast, high-value leaves with a small footprint.
Watch for
Keep moist and shade in heat to limit bolting; fleece can reduce flea-beetle damage.
Keep the bed moving
What can follow rocket?
A succession-friendly salad crop, especially useful as loose-leaf or cut-and-come-again types.
beet familySpinachA quick cool-season leaf crop for spring and autumn, with repeat pickings from small sowings.
onion familyGarlicA low-maintenance overwintering crop planted as named, disease-free cloves.
pea and bean familyBroad beansA hardy bean that provides an early harvest and can free a bed in time for summer crops.