Rocket

Fast, peppery and endlessly useful in a salad bowl. Rocket is one of the quickest crops you can grow, ready in as little as four weeks and happy in beds, containers or on a windowsill.

Maturing this month

First sprouts in 5–7 days

Difficulty

Now is a good time to sow Rocket. Follow the sowing guide below.

Growing Calendar

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sow

Transplant

Harvest

This month: Jul

Log to journal

Start seeds indoors this week

•Fill tray with compost
•Sow seeds evenly
•Cover lightly with soil
•Water gently
•Place in warm light spot

Sowing Guide

What you'd find on the seed packet

Sow Depth

0.5cm

Spacing

15cm, or scatter thinly for cut-and-come-again

Germination

5–7days

Thinning

Thin to 15cm for larger plants, or leave dense and cut young as baby leaves

Grower's Note

One of the fastest crops to grow. Sow a short row or pot every 2–3 weeks from spring to early autumn for a continuous supply.

Growing Stages

Approximate weeks from sowing to harvest

Sprouting

1wks

Seeds germinate and first leaves emerge. Keep warm and moist.

Establishing

2wks

Root system develops and plant builds structure. Pot on if needed.

Maturing

2wks

Plant reaches full size and begins producing. Harvest at peak.

Total~5 weeksfrom seed to harvest

Companion Plants

Plant these nearby for natural pest control, better yields, and healthier soil.

Nasturtium

Chives

Lettuce

Spring onion

Climate Control

Today

—C

Humidity

—%

Water

Every 2–3 days

Sunlight

3–6 hours sun

Watch Out For

Flea beetle riddles leaves with small holes, especially in dry weather

cover with fine mesh netting from sowing and keep well watered

Bolts very quickly in hot weather or dry soil

sow little and often through summer rather than one large batch, and provide light shade in a heatwave

Leaves turn hot and bitter once the plant starts to flower

harvest promptly and resow rather than letting an old patch run to seed

What You'll Need

Equipment for growing rocket

Modular Seed Tray

96-cell for precision sowing

Fine Rose Watering Can

Gentle shower for seedlings

Bamboo Canes

Pack of 20 × 120cm

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Grown Organically

Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.

Read our approach

Common Questions

About growing Rocket in the UK

How long does rocket take to grow?

Rocket is one of the fastest salad crops — baby leaves are ready to cut in as little as 3–4 weeks from sowing, with full-sized leaves ready after 5–6 weeks. Regular cutting encourages fresh regrowth for several more harvests.

Why has my rocket turned hot and bitter?

Rocket becomes hotter and more bitter as it matures and especially once it starts to flower (bolt). Hot, dry weather speeds this up considerably. Harvest leaves while young, water consistently, and resow a fresh batch every few weeks rather than letting one patch grow on.

Can rocket be grown indoors on a windowsill?

Yes — rocket is one of the best crops for a windowsill, especially in autumn and winter when outdoor growth slows. Sow thinly in a pot at least 10cm deep, keep on a bright sill, and cut leaves as needed.

What's the difference between salad rocket and wild rocket?

Salad (annual) rocket has broader, rounder leaves, grows very fast, and has a milder peppery flavour. Wild (perennial) rocket has narrower, deeply lobed leaves, grows more slowly, has a stronger, hotter flavour, and — being perennial — will regrow from the same plant for a couple of years if left in the ground.

Member guides

There's more to growing Rocket than this guide covers.

Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.

See what's included