How to Grow Rocket White
Wikimedia Commons
Rocket White
Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
vegetableRocket White, also known as white arugula, is a mild-flavored variety of arugula with pale green to white leaves and a less peppery taste than traditional green arugula. This quick-growing leafy green is prized for its tender texture and subtle, slightly sweet flavor profile. It matures rapidly and is perfect for fresh salads, microgreens, and culinary applications where a delicate rocket flavor is desired.
When should you plant Rocket White in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Rocket White timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Rocket White
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Rocket White
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rocket White dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, can be grown year-round with protection in cooler zones or shade in hot climates
Sign up free to see if Rocket White grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Rocket White timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
7-10 daysTiny cotyledons emerge within 5-10 days; first true leaves are pale green and slightly lobed.
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light if starting indoors; thin seedlings to proper spacing to prevent overcrowding and fungal disease.
Vegetative Growth
15-20 daysPlant develops 4-6 true leaves with characteristic deeply lobed rocket foliage; pale green coloring becomes more pronounced; leaves remain tender.
Water regularly; apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks if growing in containers; pinch off any flower buds to extend leafy growth period.
Mature Leaves
5-10 daysPlant reaches 6-12 inches tall with abundant lobed leaves; pale coloring and tender texture are at peak; leaves are most flavorful and mild.
Begin harvesting outer leaves; continue regular watering; provide light feeding if growth slows; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent mildew.
Flowering
10-14 days (if plant bolts)If not harvested, plant produces small white or pale yellow flowers on elongated stems; leaves become coarser and more bitter.
Harvest before flowering for best leaf quality; allow some plants to flower for seed production if desired; flowers are also edible.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use floating row covers; apply neem oil or spinosad; plant strongly aromatic herbs like tansy nearby; maintain consistent watering to reduce plant stress
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; apply neem oil as needed
-
and
Hand-pick in evening; use beer traps; create copper barriers; maintain dry foliage and remove debris; encourage ground beetles
-
Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); apply row covers before infestation; hand-pick caterpillars; plant trap crops like nasturtium
-
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur spray or potassium bicarbonate; remove infected leaves promptly
Uses
Fresh Salads & Microgreens
CulinaryRocket White's mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it ideal for delicate salads, salad mixes, and microgreens. Its tender pale leaves add visual interest and refined taste to composed salads, grain bowls, and fresh vegetable platters. [source]
Sandwich & Wrap Filling
CulinaryUse fresh leaves as a nutritious, peppery alternative to lettuce in sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. The mild flavor complements cheese, cured meats, and fresh vegetables without overpowering delicate ingredients. [source]
Pesto & Sauces
CulinaryBlend Rocket White leaves with olive oil, garlic, nuts, and cheese to create a mild, refined pesto or sauce. Also works well in smoothies, soups, and wilted vegetable dishes. [source]
Nutritional Support
MedicinalRich in vitamins K, C, and A, as well as glucosinolates and antioxidants that support immune function and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Arugula has been used traditionally in Mediterranean cuisines for nutritional benefits. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAllow some plants to flower to provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. Rocket flowers are attractive and edible, supporting garden biodiversity. [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 when plant is 4-6 inches tall, typically 30-40 days after sowing. Harvest in the morning when leaves are most crisp and hydrated. Use scissors or pinch off leaves gently to avoid damaging the plant. For baby leaf/microgreen harvesting, cut at 2-3 inches tall, 20-25 days after sowing. Continue harvesting regularly to encourage bushier growth and delay bolting. Harvest before flowering for the mildest, most tender flavor. Rocket White is best used fresh within 1-2 days of harvest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rocket White was historically cultivated in ancient Rome and the Mediterranean region, valued by both Greeks and Romans for culinary and medicinal purposes.
- 🌱 The compound that gives rocket its characteristic peppery taste is glucosinolate, which is released when leaves are broken or chewed and has been studied for potential anti-cancer properties.
- 🌱 Rocket is one of the fastest-growing leafy greens and can be harvested as microgreens in just 20-25 days, making it perfect for container gardening and indoor growing.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Rocket White planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Rocket White seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Rocket White timeline →