Guide for Sprouting Rocket Leaves from Seeds
In the world of gardening, rocket (Arugula) is a popular choice for its peppery flavour and fast growth. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to succession sow rocket seeds for a continuous supply throughout the season.
Rocket seeds can be easily purchased from reputable suppliers such as Thompson & Morgan and Crocus. To ensure a steady harvest, it is advisable to sow new rows of seeds every 1 to 3 weeks, rather than planting all at once.
The key to succession sowing is to sow seeds in rows spaced according to the packet instructions, usually about half an inch deep. Regular watering is crucial to keep the soil moist for good germination. Repeating this process every 1-3 weeks during the growing season will result in staggered plants at different growth stages, preventing a glut followed by periods of no rocket.
Using a planting calendar can help with tidy management, making it easier to track sowing dates. A row 1m to 2m long is enough for starting, with further sowings in a few weeks for a longer harvest period.
Rocket is fairly free of pests and diseases, but the flea beetle may occasionally cause trouble by eating tiny holes in the leaves. Rocket grows best in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade.
When it comes to planting, rocket can be grown in pots with peat-free, multi-purpose compost. Some suppliers also sell plug plants of rocket that require immediate planting to avoid root disturbance.
Harvesting and storage are also important aspects of rocket cultivation. Rocket leaves can be stored in the fridge for several days in a sealed container. For freezing, the leaves need to be blanched before freezing.
For those looking for variety, 'Dragon's Tongue' rocket can be purchased from Thompson & Morgan. It's also worth noting that rocket seeds can be bought from online seed merchants such as Thompson & Morgan, Suttons, and Dobies.
Lastly, it's important to remove flower stalks to prolong leaf production, unless you want to eat the flowers and seed pods. Sowing a row of rocket seeds in a straight line helps in identifying seedlings and weeds. Sow rocket seeds thinly along the row, spacing them about 3cm apart.
With these tips in mind, growing a continuous supply of rocket has never been easier. Happy gardening!
[1] Thompson & Morgan. (n.d.). Rocket. Retrieved from https://www.thompson-morgan.com/vegetables/rocket
[2] Crocus. (n.d.). Rocket. Retrieved from https://www.crocus.co.uk/rocket-1122443.html
Adding rocket to your home-and-garden, whether in containers or your landscaped area, can be a delight due to its speedy growth and peppery taste. To maintain a regular supply throughout the season, consider sowing rocket seeds every 1 to 3 weeks, as per the recommendation in the guide provided by Thompson & Morgan and Crocus.
