Flower rocket, also known as arugula or roquette, is a fast-growing and easy-to-grow leafy green vegetable It has a peppery, nutty flavor that adds a delicious punch to salads, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas Here is a simple guide on how to plant and grow this delightful salad green in your own garden.
When to Plant
Flower rocket thrives in cool weather. The ideal time to plant it is during early spring or fall when temperatures range between 45-75°F. Flower rocket grown in summer tends to bolt or run to seed quickly in the heat.
The soil temperature should be at least 40°F for the seeds to germinate. Avoid sowing during frosts or freezes as the plant is vulnerable to cold damage.
Choosing a Site
-
Pick a spot that receives full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Flower rocket needs sufficient sunlight for the best growth
-
Make sure the soil drains well and doesn’t pool water. Good drainage is key.
-
Prepare a raised garden bed if your soil is heavy clay. Amend it with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
How to Plant from Seeds
-
Direct sowing is recommended as flower rocket doesn’t transplant well due to its delicate taproot.
-
Prepare the soil well by mixing in 1-2 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Rake smooth.
-
Sow the tiny seeds about 1⁄2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 6-12 inches apart.
-
Keep the soil moist and water it slowly until the seeds sprout in 5 to 7 days. Thin young plants to 4 inches apart.
-
Plant small batches every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Caring for Flower Rocket
-
Water regularly, about 1-1.5 inches per week. Don’t let the soil dry out.
-
Apply a thin layer of compost or organic fertilizer when plants are 3-4 inches tall.
-
Weed weekly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
-
When plants are 3 inches tall, cut off any outer leaves that you don’t need. Don’t cut more than one-third at once.
When to Harvest
-
You can start harvesting rocket leaves when they are 3-6 inches tall.
-
Pick outer leaves first rather than cutting the whole plant. This allows it to continue growing.
-
Flower rocket bolts quickly in hot weather. Harvest the entire plant once flowers start budding.
-
Harvest in morning after dew dries for best flavor and texture.
Growing flower rocket is easy and rewarding. If you plant and take care of your garden correctly, you can get many cuttings of tasty peppery greens. Follow this simple guide for a successful crop.
Quick Facts About Dame’s Rocket
The heavenly clove-like scent will attract lots of bees, butterflies and birds, and in the evening, the breeze picks up the fragrance and floats it in the air giving it another commong name of Sweet Rocket. Dames Rocket is in the mustard family and is edible. The loose flower clusters have four petals and come in white, pink, lilac, and deep lilac. Before growing Dames Rocket, check with the local county extension office to make sure it is not considered to be a noxious weed and not legal to plant.
Directly sow Dames Rocket seeds in the spring once the soil can be worked and frost danger has passed. It is fast to establish, but there will be no blooms until the second year of establishment.
Plant Dames Rocket seeds in full sun or partial shade and in soil that is moist but drains well. Dames Rocket does better in cooler summers and is often seen growing along the edge of woods or roadways.
How to Plant Dame’s Rocket
- Pull out the weeds and work the soil down 6 inches.
- Add compost to improve soil drainage
- Make the soil firm, then sprinkle the Dames Rocket flower seeds all over it.
- Rake the seeds into the ground a little, but don’t bury them too deeply. The seeds need light to grow.
- Keep the area moist
- Plants will grow leaves and a rosette base the first year. The plant will grow from this base the second year.
- Keep the Dames Rocket plants moist
- Fertilize the plants every few weeks for best results
- Deadhead to keep the plants from liberally self-sowing
HOW TO GROW SEEDS PART 3 – DOLLAR TREE FLOWER ROCKETS UPDATE – GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 2020
FAQ
How to plant rocket flower?
How to Plant Dame’s RocketWeed the soil and work it to a depth of 6 inches. Add compost to improve soil drainage. Firm the soil and scatter the Dame’s Rocket flower seeds over the soil. Lightly rake the seeds under, but the seed needs light for germination so do not bury it deeply. Keep the area moist.
When’s the best time to plant rockets?
Plant directly into the ground in early spring or under cover to plant earlier in mid- to late-winter. Can also sow in early autumn for a winter crop.