If you sow the rocket in the garden, the easy-care plant takes care of its propagation all by itself. The seeds will disperse themselves if you let some plants flower. When sowing for the first time, note the following:
Year-round sowing
Rocket can be sown in the greenhouse or on the windowsill all year round at a germination temperature of 10 to 16°C. Start sowing outdoors or in window boxes (€109.00) in March when the soil has warmed to at least 10ºC. Rocket can be resown again and again until the beginning of September without any problems. Sowing in several batches ensures fresh leaves all year round.
Soil and site requirements
The extremely robust rocket does not make any special demands on the soil conditions. Acidic, neutral or calcareous soils are equally suitable. You just have to make sure that the soil is kept evenly moist, just to prevent flea infestation. The grown plants tolerate longer periods of drought. A garden spot in the sun or semi-shade with the loose, humus-rich soil is ideal for the first sowing.
sowing
A large number of annual and perennial rocket varieties are available in garden centers and online shops. Opt for a fast-growing, bolt-resistant and reliable variety of good quality. As a rule, the one-time investment is worthwhile, since the rocket later ensures propagation all by itself through self-sowing.
Sowing is usually done in rows with a row spacing of about 15 cm. The seeds are placed in grooves about 1 cm deep and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water as usual and don't let it dry out.
Depending on the variety, the germination time is about 5 - 15 days at a soil temperature of 15 - 20 °C. After opening, the seedlings should be separated so that strong young plants can develop. Ready-made seed tapes are also available from specialist dealers, which means that there is no warping when used. The first fresh leaves can be harvested 4-6 weeks after sowing!
tips and tricks
Crop rotation should be observed, i. H. Sow at the earliest after 3 years in beds in which other cruciferous plants such as white, red or Brussels sprouts were previously grown.