Rocket Wild
Classy, massively productive and easy to grow. Everyone should include rocket in their veg patch.
Rocket is really an autumn crop. It's best to wait until July before you sow, otherwise it can bolt and attract flea beetles, which will fill your leaves full of holes. You can sow earlier and cover with micromesh netting, but it's a bit of a faff.
Time from seed to plate: 6 weeks
Sowing Calendar
Sow
Sow rocket anytime from July to September directly in your soil. Lay a narrow piece of wood across your bed and drag a trowel along the edge to create a shallow groove in the soil about 1/2in deep. Sprinkle in the seeds, aiming for one every half inch or so.
Sow another row, leaving a 12in gap between rows. Firm the soil back and water well.
Grow
Thin your seedlings to leave one plant every 3in or so.
Keep an eye out for caterpillars and pick them off if you see any. They can be incredibly well camouflaged.
Harvest
Rocket leaves grow to 8in, but they're best when they're half this size.
Pull off individual leaves, leaving the plant to carry on growing.
Like all salad leaves immerse them in cold water for five minutes after picking to firm them up.