Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
garden rocket
An edible culinary, fast growing annual. Grown mainly for its leaves, the four-petalled flowers are white and are also edible
Synonyms
Eruca sativaRucola silvatica
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Eruca is a genus of annual flowering plants in the brassica family which includes rocket. Flowers are creamy-white with purple veins and yellow stamens.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any soil in part shade, from seed. cropping can be within 40 days. Tolerates sun, but likes some shade from summer sun. Fairly drought resistant. Follow rocket cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to flea beetles and slugs and snails damage when young
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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