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Yellow Rocket

Barbarea vulgaris
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Barbarea vulgaris (Yellow Rocket) — botanical photograph
Pl. 9CF3 — Barbarea vulgaris
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Overview

Yellow Rocket (Barbarea vulgaris) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH preference between 7 and 7.5. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, this plant has spread across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. Known for its edible leaves and flowers, Yellow Rocket can be found growing up to 0.4 meters tall in various habitats such as fields, meadows, and disturbed areas. Its light requirement is moderate, making it adaptable to a range of environments from hardiness zones 5-9. This plant's distinctive features include its yellow flowers and ability to grow in diverse soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Yellow Rocket can be found in fields, meadows, and disturbed areas across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. Its spread into new regions such as Alabama, Alaska, and Argentina South highlights its adaptability. The leaves and flowers of Yellow Rocket are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. The leaves are typically added to salads or used as a vegetable, while the flowers can enhance the flavor of dishes. However, it is important to note that this plant has weed potential in some areas due to its invasive nature.

Quick answers

What is Yellow Rocket?

Yellow Rocket (Barbarea vulgaris) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH preference between 7 and 7.5. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, this plant has spread across Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Yellow Rocket thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers well-draining soils of medium or heavy consistency with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions (zones 5-9) and can grow up to 0.4 meters tall as a perennial forb/herb. For best results, plant Yellow Rocket in full sun to partial shade. Propagate through seeds or division of established plants. Harvest the edible leaves and flowers for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.4 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Yellow Rocket for the first time

8steps

Start with Yellow Rocket as a simple, hardy perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, a trowel, and a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late summer for best results.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure the pH is between 7-7.5.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep and 4 inches apart. Transplant young plants with care to avoid damaging roots.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially in dry spells, and mulch around the base for moisture retention. Remove any weeds that compete with your plants.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune spent flowers to encourage new growth and remove leaves as needed for use in cooking.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, and not removing weeds.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: Yellow Rocket is edible and its leaves and flowers can be consumed. The leaves are typically eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The flowers can also be added to dishes for flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

61 native · 65 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 61 native· 65 introduced
Europe26 regions
native (22)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (4)FinlandIcelandNorwayRussia
Asia14 regions
native (11)AfghanistanChinaIraqJapanKazakhstanMongoliaPakistanSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
introduced (3)ChinaGeorgiaSri Lanka
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaTunisia
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kriti, Nansei-shoto, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Tuva, West Himalaya, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Alberta, Amur, Argentina South, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Chile South, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Svalbard, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Barbarea vulgaris (Yellow Rocket) — botanical photograph
Yellow Rocket (Barbarea vulgaris)
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Explore further

XII

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