Garden Rocket - Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

The Cultivated Rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) is an annual vegetable plant that is particularly aromatic and easy to grow. It is somewhere between a salad and a condiment, as its finely cut leaves have a pronounced flavor that is both spicy and peppery. Its growth is rapid and it can be harvested all year round if protected from the cold. It is planted in spring.

Its tender leaves with a powerful flavor are used in salads, either alone or mixed (mesclun), and they add fragrance to Italian dishes such as lasagna and pizza. It is a plant rich in vitamin C and iron.

The Cultivated Rocket is not demanding and ideally grows in humus-rich, well-draining soil that is not too dry, but it also tolerates ordinary soils quite well.

Harvest: It is recommended to spread out sowings and plantings to have a supply over a long period. It is simply cut at ground level.

Storage: Rocket leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. To fully enjoy its fragrance, we recommend consuming it freshly picked.

Gardener's tip: Flea beetles, tiny beetles, are fond of Rocket leaves and meticulously puncture them in dry and hot weather. While spraying Tansy infusion can limit the damage, installing insect-proof netting from sowing is the most effective method of control while avoiding the use of insecticides, which, even of natural origin, have consequences on the garden's balance.