White Wall Rocket
Diplotaxis erucoides
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Pl. BC24 — Diplotaxis erucoides
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IOverview
Overview
White Wall Rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides) is an annual plant that thrives in a variety of Mediterranean climates, from Algeria and Egypt to France and Turkey. Known for its light and partial sun requirements, it prefers moist conditions and can grow well in light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils. This plant reaches heights of about 0.5 meters and is notable for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to gardens where it can be both ornamental and useful. Its adaptability across diverse regions contributes to its widespread presence in the wild and cultivated settings alike.
Quick answers
What is White Wall Rocket?
White Wall Rocket (Diplotaxis erucoides) is an annual plant that thrives in a variety of Mediterranean climates, from Algeria and Egypt to France and Turkey. Known for its light and partial sun requirements, it prefers moist conditions and can grow well in light sandy, medium, or heavy clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
White Wall Rocket thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 0.5 meters tall and is native to regions spanning from Algeria to Yemen. It is hardy in temperate regions but may require protection in colder climates. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Harvest its edible leaves for use in your garden. Propagation can be done through seeds sown directly into the ground after the last frost.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow White Wall Rocket for the first time
8steps
Start with White Wall Rocket as an easy-to-grow annual for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, spacing them about 20-30 cm apart. Alternatively, start indoors and transplant after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist during germination. Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to thin seedlings, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of White Wall Rocket are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their slightly bitter taste or added to soups and stews. The plant is native to regions including Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Greece, and Iran.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 7 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 7 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 23 native· 7 introduced
Europe7 regions
native (5)FranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
introduced (2)RomaniaUnited Kingdom
Asia6 regions
native (6)IranIraqPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkeyYemen
Africa6 regions
native (6)AlgeriaEgyptEthiopiaMoroccoSudanTunisia
Broader regions
native:Sinai, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Argentina Northwest, California, Massachusetts, Québec, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
XII
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