How to grow Rocket (Arugula)

Learn how to grow delicious, nutritious Rocket with our easy-to-follow guide. Just follow this guide and you'll have all the rocket you could ever need!

Rocket prefers rich, moisture retentive soil with plenty of compost mixed in. 

Rocket will grow well in full sun to partial shade. 

Rocket will tolerate mild frost. 

Plant Rocket roughly 15cm apart. 

Rocket (Arugula) is a cool season crop which grows best in temperatures between 10-25°(50-77°F).

Sow seeds in autumn and early spring. Will grow throughout winter in warm climates.  

If transplanting seedlings, plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.  

Rocket is not a heavy feeder, although an organic liquid fertiliser can be applied throughout the season, particularly if the leaves start showing signs of deficiency. 

Harvest Rocket leaves regularly by picking the larger outer leaves. Young leaves have a mild flavour and soft texture, older leaves are tougher in texture and have a lot more heat to them. 

Pests that can affect Rocket include: Aphids, Slugs, Snail, Flea Beetle, Cabbage Root Fly, Cabbage Moth, Cabbage White Butterfly, Diamondback Moth. 

Diseases that can affect Rocket include: Bacterial Leaf Spot, Downy Mildew, White Rust. 

Hot weather causes Rocket leaves to become quite hot and peppery in flavour, it also causes the plant to flower and go to seed. 

Rocket flowers are also edible.

In hot climates, plant Rocket in a shady spot and keep the plant well watered.