ROCKET (Cultivated)  

Rocket is an easy-to-grow crop which adds a lovely peppery flavour to salads. The younger leaves are milder, more tender and palatable. Older leaves can also be lightly cooked as a delicious spinach substitute, added to sauces, stir fried or sautéed in olive oil.  

It's rich in potassium and vitamin C and flourishes in a warm, sunny, position. Even the flowers are edible. 

Frequent cutting will promote tender new growth. 

 

 

 

Add depth to salads and sandwiches. A great gourmet pizza topping. Contributes delicious flavour to pasta, egg dishes and soups 

 

For a constant supply sow in a sunny site, every 2-3 weeks, from April to early September in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. 

Sow thinly, 0.5-1cm (¼- ½in) deep in rows 15cm (6in) apart. 

Thin to 15cm (6in) apart, when the seedlings are large enough to handle, use the thinnings in salad. 

Allowing some plant to set seed, rather than sowing, is an easy option. 

Sow autumn and winter crops in August and September, in a cool greenhouse or under cloches or fleece. 

 

Keep the soil moist and the plants growing well to prevent premature running to seed (bolting). 

Plants need some shade in hot weather to prevent the leaves from becoming tough and unpalatable. 

Keep crops weed free and the soil moist. Do not overwater as this dilutes the taste.