ARUGULA - Open Pollinated Wild Rocket Seeds

Sow wild rocket seeds directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Sow in late summer or early fall for a fall or winter harvest. Create shallow furrows about 1/4 inch deep and space the seeds approximately 1 inch apart. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water gently. Alternatively, broadcast arugula seeds alone or mix them with other salad greens. Sow new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest. 

Seeds germinate in about a week (or slightly longer in cold soil). Speed up germination by soaking seeds in water for a few hours prior to planting.  

Wild rocket thrives in well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0. Select a sunny location for your garden with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If you have limited space, wild rocket can also be grown in large pots or containers. 

THIN: When the seedlings reach a height of 2-3 inches, thin them out to allow adequate spacing between plants. Space them about 4-6 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and prevent overcrowding. 

WATER: Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, which usually takes 7-14 days. Once the plants are established, they become somewhat drought-tolerant, but it's still essential to water them regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. 

FEED: Wild rocket is not heavy feeders, but they will benefit from a balanced fertilizer during their growth. Apply a general-purpose organic fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, or you can amend the soil with rich compost. 

PROTECT: Keep an eye out for common garden pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and slugs, as they may occasionally target wild rocket. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil spray or insecticidal soap to manage these pests. Proper spacing and good air circulation can help reduce the risk of diseases like powdery mildew. 

BOLTING: To prolong the harvest period and prevent premature bolting (flowering), provide some shade during hot summer days, or consider planting wild rocket in a location with afternoon shade. 

Wild rocket can be harvested when the leaves reach a desirable size, typically around 4-6 weeks after sowing and they can be picked early as baby leaves. Pick the outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to continue growing. Use a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears to snip the leaves close to the base of the plant. Regular harvesting will encourage the plant to produce more leaves and prevent it from bolting too quickly.