Wild Rocket Seeds

How to grow Wild Rocket

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.

Culinary Ideas

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