How to Grow Rocket
iNaturalist
Rocket
Eruca vesicaria
vegetableRocket, also known as arugula, is a fast-growing leafy green with peppery, pungent leaves that add distinctive flavor to salads and cooked dishes. This cool-season annual is prized for its quick maturity and ease of cultivation. It thrives in spring and fall gardens and can be harvested at various stages from microgreens to mature leaves.
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Example Rocket timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rocket
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Rocket
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rocket dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; grows year-round in zones 8-9
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Get my Rocket timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
3-5 daysSeeds sprout and first cotyledons appear above soil
Keep soil warm (60-70°F) and consistently moist; seeds germinate quickly in 3-5 days
Seedling
1-2 weeksTrue leaves begin to emerge, plant develops small rosette of tender leaves
Thin seedlings to proper spacing; ensure adequate light to prevent leggy growth
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple lobed leaves in rosette form; foliage becomes peppery
Keep soil moist and cool; use shade cloth in warm weather to delay bolting
Bolting
1-2 weeksPlant sends up tall flower stalks with small yellowish-white flowers
Harvest leaves before bolting begins for best flavor; bolting indicates plant nearing end of productive life
Seed Production
3-4 weeksFlowers develop into seed pods containing small brown seeds
Allow flowers to mature if collecting seeds; allow pods to dry on plant before harvesting
Common Pests
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Use floating row covers, insecticidal soap, or neem oil; remove affected leaves promptly
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Install fine netting or row covers; hand-pick caterpillars; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
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Remove debris and mulch where pests hide; use beer traps, copper tape, or diatomaceous earth
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Spray with water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
Uses
Salads & Fresh Cooking
CulinaryRocket's peppery, nutty leaves are most prized fresh in salads, on pizzas, and in pasta dishes. The peppery compounds add complexity to dressings and vinaigrettes. [source]
Pesto & Sauces
CulinaryBlend rocket leaves with garlic, olive oil, and cheese to create a distinctive pesto sauce. Works well in soups and vegetable purees. [source]
Digestive Support
MedicinalRocket has traditionally been used to support digestion and promote appetite. The glucosinolates in rocket may have anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Microgreens Production
HouseholdRocket grows rapidly as microgreens, ready to harvest in just 10-14 days from seed. These are nutrient-dense and ideal for sandwiches and garnishes. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen allowed to bolt and flower, rocket produces small, delicate flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers are also edible. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves 3-4 weeks after sowing when 3-4 inches long for tender, mild leaves; harvest regularly to encourage continued growth; harvest in morning for best flavor and crispness; avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at once; once bolting begins, foliage becomes bitter so harvest promptly
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rocket has been cultivated since ancient Roman times and was believed by Romans to have aphrodisiac properties.
- 🌱 The peppery flavor comes from glucosinolates, the same compounds found in broccoli and cabbage, which release mustard-like volatiles when leaves are damaged.
- 🌱 In the UK and Europe, rocket is called 'arugula' in North America (from the Italian 'rucola'), and both terms refer to the same plant with slight flavor variations between cultivars.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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