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Arugula 'Rocket'

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa 'Rocket'

This fast-growing salad green delivers a peppery, nutty punch that transforms ordinary salads into gourmet experiences. The deeply lobed leaves are ready to harvest in just weeks, making it perfect for succession planting and continuous fresh salads. Cool weather brings out the best flavor, while hot weather intensifies the spiciness for those who love bold, peppery greens.

Harvest

20-40d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

0-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Arugula 'Rocket' in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 brassica →

Zone Map

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Arugula 'Rocket' · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Very Easy

Spacing4-6 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water0.5-1 inch per week, consistent moisture for tender leaves

SeasonCool season

FlavorPeppery, nutty, and pungent with mustard-like bite

ColorDark green with deeply lobed leaves

Size2-4 inch leaves when harvested young

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	March – April	May – June	May – June	June – October
Zone 4	March – April	May – June	April – June	May – October
Zone 5	February – March	April – May	April – May	May – November
Zone 6	February – March	April – May	April – May	May – November
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	March – May	April – November
Zone 8	January – February	March – April	March – April	April – December
Zone 9	January – January	February – March	February – March	March – December
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	January – March	February – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Long, beaked pods 0.5-1.5" containing two rows of several seeds.

Color: Green. Type: Siliqua. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible

Harvest time: Summer

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Leaves, flowers, seed pods, and seeds are edible. Harvest leaves and seed pods when young as they get tough and bitter with age. Harvest only as needed as leaves do not keep long in the refrigerator after harvesting.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh arugula 'Rocket' stays crisp for 5-7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. After harvesting, rinse leaves gently in cool water, spin dry thoroughly, and store in perforated plastic bags or wrapped loosely in paper towels inside storage containers. Keep refrigerated at 35-40°F—any colder and leaves develop black spots.

For longer preservation, arugula freezes well in pestos, sauces, or soups, though the texture changes too much for fresh eating. Blanch leaves for 30 seconds, shock in ice water, drain completely, and freeze in portions. Dehydrating works for seasoning powder—dry leaves completely and grind for a concentrated peppery spice. Unlike many greens, arugula's strong flavor holds up well in fermented preparations like kimchi or sauerkraut, adding a spicy complexity to traditional recipes.

History & Origin

Origin: Mediterranean to China and Arabian Peninsula

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Diseases, Insect Pests, Wet Soil
+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Lettuce

Provides ground cover and shade for arugula roots, reducing soil temperature

Spinach

Similar growing requirements and helps maximize space utilization

Chives

Repels aphids and flea beetles that commonly attack brassicas

Marigolds

Deters flea beetles and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for flea beetles and aphids, protecting arugula

Dill

Attracts beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage worms and aphids

Carrots

Deep roots don't compete with shallow arugula roots, efficient space use

Radishes

Quick-growing companion that can be harvested before arugula matures

Keep Apart

Broccoli

Competes for same nutrients and attracts similar pests like flea beetles

Strawberries

May inhibit brassica growth and compete for nutrients

Fennel

Inhibits growth of most brassicas through allelopathic compounds

Nutrition Facts

Calories

31kcal(2%)

Protein

2.57g(5%)

Fiber

2.4g(9%)

Carbs

6.27g(2%)

Fat

0.34g(0%)

Vitamin C

91.3mg(101%)

Vitamin A

8mcg(1%)

Vitamin K

102mcg(85%)

Iron

0.69mg(4%)

Calcium

46mg(4%)

Potassium

303mg(6%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #747447)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally disease-free due to quick growth cycle

Common Pests

Flea beetles, aphids, slugs, cabbage worms

Diseases

Downy mildew in humid conditions, rarely affected by diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does arugula Rocket take to grow?▼

Arugula 'Rocket' is ready for harvest in just 20-40 days from seed. Baby leaves can be picked at 20 days for mild flavor, while full-sized leaves with maximum peppery punch are ready at 30-40 days. The exact timing depends on growing conditions—cool weather slows growth but improves flavor, while warm conditions accelerate growth but may cause early bolting.

Can you grow arugula Rocket in containers?▼

Yes, arugula 'Rocket' excels in containers and actually benefits from the controlled environment. Use containers at least 6 inches deep with good drainage. The shallow root system makes it perfect for window boxes or shallow planters. Container growing lets you move plants to shade during hot weather and extend the growing season significantly.

What does arugula Rocket taste like compared to regular arugula?▼

Arugula 'Rocket' has a much more intense, complex flavor than grocery store arugula. It delivers a sharp peppery bite with nutty undertones and a slight mustard-like heat that builds on your palate. Cool weather brings out the nutty complexity, while hot weather intensifies the spiciness. It's significantly more pungent than cultivated varieties bred for mass market appeal.

When should I plant arugula Rocket seeds?▼

Plant arugula 'Rocket' in early spring 2-4 weeks before your last frost date, then again in late summer for fall harvest. In hot climates, focus on fall through spring planting when temperatures stay below 75°F. For continuous harvest, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks during your growing season. Avoid planting during peak summer heat when plants bolt immediately.

Is arugula Rocket good for beginners?▼

Absolutely—arugula 'Rocket' is one of the easiest greens for beginning gardeners. It germinates quickly, grows fast, tolerates poor conditions, and has few pest problems due to its rapid growth cycle. The main challenge is timing plantings to avoid hot weather, but even bolted plants provide edible flowers and teach valuable lessons about plant life cycles.

Why does my arugula Rocket taste so bitter?▼

Bitter arugula usually indicates the plant is stressed from heat, drought, or beginning to bolt. Hot weather intensifies the peppery compounds, while water stress concentrates the bitter elements. Once flower stalks appear, leaves become increasingly bitter. Harvest younger leaves, provide consistent moisture, and plant during cooler seasons for the best flavor balance.