Eruca vesicaria

RHS Plant Profile
rocket 4

Synonyms

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa 'Wild'

Annual Biennial Herbs - Culinary

A hugely variable annual which may grow between 20 and 100cm tall, depending on conditions. It is very similar to UK native wild rocket. It has green, frondy leaves and 4-petalled, off-white or cream flowers veined with dark red. All of the plant is edible with a peppery taste

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral or Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Brassicaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted, Columnar upright
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Propagate from seed

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

Pruning

no pruning required but pick flowers as they develop to prevent it finishing early

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free