Delicious and spicy serrated leaves, smaller and more delicate than their cultivated cousin. Wild Rocket is the leaf that keeps on giving, even once it is going to seed it continues to produce new leaf growth if you cut it back.
Seed Sowing
Sow direct or in modules in March – April or August – September. Germination can be slower in cooler months, up to 14 days. Direct sow into shallow drills 40cm apart thinning to required spacing once seedlings are more established. Ensure a longer harvest window by sowing multiple successions a few weeks apart. Early sowings may benefit from fleece protection.
Transplanting
Plant out from modules once seedlings are established, spacing plants 40cm apart. Wild Rocket is easy to transplant if relocation is needed. Harvest the outer leaves then gently lift each plant along with the root ball and transplant to the new position. Water well and give the plant a few days to get reestablished.
Plant Care
Keep the area weed-free and consistently watered during hot spells to reduce risk of bolting. You can mulch around the plants to keep in moisture and prevent weeds.
Challenges
Wild Rocket is generally free from many pests and diseases but will benefit from being covered with a fine mesh to protect from flea beetles.
Harvest
Wild Rocket is a cut and come again leaf and will keep regrowing after being cut back. Depending on the desired size of leaf, it can be ready to harvest as early as 4-6 weeks after sowing. Use a sharp knife or pinch off each leaf by hand. Flower stalks can be removed to prolong leaf production unless saving for seed.
Culinary Ideas And Uses
Wild Rocket has delicious sweet, peppery leaves that add a lovely flavour to a summer salad or on top of a pizza with a splash of balsamic vinegar. It’s also a great alternative to basil in a homemade pesto, perfect to pair with tangy parmesan and freshly picked cherry tomatoes.
Seed Saving
Wild Rocket belongs to the species Diplotaxis tenuifolia and will cross with all plants within it. If you want to save seed, ensure no other brassicas of this species are allowed to flower. Choose plants that are true to type, healthy and have shown pest resistance. Avoid early bolters. Wild Rocket for seed are best grown in a block of at least five plants.
Allow plants to flower and produce seed pods that will begin to dry. Cut the whole plant before the seed pods begin to open and spread out to dry further on a sheet in a warm dry place for at least a further week. When fully dry, the pods will shatter very easily. You can stand and stomp on the plants to break up the pod
Most popular Other Salad Leaves
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We are amazed by this plant’s hardiness and really enjoy growing it! Ronja grew up eating ‘Feldsalat’ (German for corn salad) almost every day during the winter months and wouldn’t want to live without it.
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It is one of those greens that come up in just the right moment when we’re most in need of something fresh and it self-manages very well which is why we like it too.
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Wild Rocket (Organic)
£1.80 Add to basketWild Rocket (Organic)
Delicious and spicy serrated leaves, smaller and more delicate than their cultivated cousin. We love wild rocket as it just keeps on giving, even once it is going to seed it continues to produce new leaf growth if you cut it back.
(Approximate seed count – 500)£1.80
