Rocket is also known by the middle name rocket and can be sown with ease. However, sowing is not possible at any time and in any location. It is therefore worthwhile to incorporate a portion of background knowledge…

His requirements: period and site conditions

Rocket is frugal and tolerant in relation to its location. It can be sown outdoors as well as on the balcony or window sill in boxes and pots. The basic requirements are as follows:

  • Period for outdoor sowing: from March to September
  • Preculture on a moderately warm window sill possible from: January
  • Position: sunny to semi-shady
  • Substrate: light to medium heavy, sandy-loamy, loose, humic
  • Floor temperature: at least 15 °C

Once everything is prepared, you can start sowing

If you want to start with a pre-culture, choose a bright and moderately warm windowsill in your home. The rocket seeds are placed in nutrient-rich herbal soil or potting soil, covered with a thin layer of soil and watered vigorously. After about two weeks, the first small seedlings are already visible.

Sowing outdoors can be done from March. If there is still extreme frost, the seeds or seedlings should be protected with garden fleece after sowing. The seeds are embedded 0.5 cm deep in the soil. A distance of 15 cm between the rows is sufficient. Then the seeds are thinly covered with soil and watered.

How long does the arugula take?

The arugula seeds and also the seedlings should be kept moist. The reason: the rocket is a flat-rooted plant that depends on a regular water supply from above. The optimum germination temperature for rocket is between 10 and 16 °C. After a germination period of between 5 and 15 days, its seedlings see the light of day.

Harvesting should generally take place before flowering. Otherwise, its vitality is mainly found in the flowers, its leaves taste bitter and pungent and are also richer in nitrates. It is best to harvest the rocket 3 to 6 weeks after sowing.

tips and tricks

Anyone who wants to be able to enjoy fresh rocket salad regularly from spring to autumn should carry out subsequent sowings every two to four weeks. It is also advisable to only cut off the arugula that has already grown and not to pull it completely out of the ground with its roots. Buying new arugula seeds is becoming rampant as a result.

Category:

Vegetable garden