Rocket
Eruca vesicaria sativafam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. 3B2C — Eruca vesicaria sativa
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IOverview
Overview
Rocket, scientifically known as Eruca vesicaria sativa, is a small annual plant native to the Mediterranean region and found in various parts of China, Algeria, and Cyprus. This edible plant grows up to 20-30 cm tall with long, narrow pale green leaves and produces small white or yellow flowers. Known for its culinary use, rocket's distinctive feature lies in its pungent taste, which adds a peppery flavor to salads and other dishes. It thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to different growing conditions.
Quick answers
What is Rocket?
Rocket, scientifically known as Eruca vesicaria sativa, is a small annual plant native to the Mediterranean region and found in various parts of China, Algeria, and Cyprus. This edible plant grows up to 20-30 cm tall with long, narrow pale green leaves and produces small white or yellow flowers.
What is Rocket used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Rocket
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Rocket has been traditionally used in Mediterranean cuisine and herbalism to aid digestion, often consumed as a leafy green vegetable or prepared as a tea. Its bitter compounds are thought to stimulate digestive secretions.
Rocket contains glucosinolates which can enhance gastric juice secretion and bile flow, aiding in the breakdown of fats and proteins. However, the specific mechanism is not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Rocket support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Rocket thrives in well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types but can be somewhat drought-tolerant once established. This annual plant is hardy in temperate regions, typically growing to about 20-30 cm tall. For best results, sow seeds directly into the garden bed where they will grow, ensuring they receive ample light and regular moisture, especially during dry periods. The leaves are edible and can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m × 0.3 m
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
- Propagation
- ""
- Germination
- 1-3 days
- Days to harvest
- 40
- Row spacing
- 10 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Rocket for the first time
8steps
Rocket is a simple annual herb to grow, perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots or garden bed, compost, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Containers should be at least 30 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, 2.5 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide light shade to prevent leaf burn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with compost tea.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pick outer leaves when they are about 10 cm long to encourage new growth and prevent bolting.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:leaves
Edible uses: Oil, Condiment
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe7 regions
native (7)CyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpainUkraine
Asia10 regions
native (10)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanKuwaitMongoliaOmanPakistanPalestine
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Gulf States, Kirgizstan, Kriti
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3b2c0ed4-1979-48af-9fe7-d5b2b026b1bf
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