Growing Rocket in Containers: Easy Garden Tips

Did you know growing rocket in containers can be ready to eat in just four to six weeks? This makes it perfect for growing in containers, ideal for those with small spaces. It’s a quick-growing choice for urban gardening.

Rocket’s peppery taste is a bonus. It’s easy to grow and fits well in tiny gardens or balconies. In this article, I’ll share tips on growing rocket in containers. You’ll learn how to grow this nutritious leafy green, even if you’re new to gardening.

Key Takeaways

Rocket can be harvested as quickly as 4-6 weeks after sowing.
Two main types of rocket are suitable for container gardening: wild rocket and salad rocket.
Sow rocket seeds every fortnight for a continuous supply from March to September.
Regular weeding and watering are essential to maintain plant health.
Rocket can thrive in light shade to prevent premature bolting in hot weather.
Grow rocket as a cut-and-come-again crop for ongoing harvests throughout the season.

Introduction to Growing Rocket

Growing rocket in containers is a fun way to add fresh flavours to your kitchen. It’s perfect for small spaces. Rocket grows quickly and tastes vibrant, making it a great addition to meals.

The Benefits of Rocket

Rocket, or arugula, is full of vitamins A, C, and K. It has a peppery taste that can make any dish better. It’s great for garnishes and salads.

Harvest rocket in four to six weeks. Regular picking encourages more growth. This means you can enjoy it multiple times from one planting. Growing herbs in pots makes it easy to get fresh produce on your balcony or patio.

✅ Follow My YouTube Channel for guidance along the season or just pop in and say Hi 🙂

Why Grow in Containers?

Container gardening is great for growing rocket. Even with limited space, you can grow fresh produce. Rocket needs a pot that’s at least six inches deep and twelve inches wide.

Container gardening is flexible. You can move pots to get the best sunlight or protect them from bad weather. Rocket plants are small, so they fit well in tight spaces. This makes growing herbs in pots both practical and fun.

Getting Started with Rocket

Starting to grow rocket in containers needs careful thought. Choosing the right variety is key for a good harvest. Wild Rocket and Salad Rocket are the top picks, each with its own special traits.

Choosing the Right Type of Rocket

In container gardening, I often pick these two rocket types:

Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia): This perennial has a strong, peppery taste and long leaves. It grows for years, perfect for my garden.
Salad Rocket (Eruca sativa): With a milder taste, it’s great for salads. I sow it every three weeks for a constant supply.
Buy Rocket seeds from Amazon (opens in new window)

For my container gardening, getting seeds from trusted places like Thompson & Morgan is vital. They offer high-quality seeds for my garden.

I start sowing rocket seeds outside from April to September. Plant them 15cm apart, with 0.5cm of soil on top. Keeping the soil moist helps them grow, which takes 10 to 14 days. This way, I get fresh rocket all spring and autumn.

Knowing the best place to grow rocket also helps. It loves sunny to semi-shady spots with rich, well-drained soil. I also grow lettuce and basil with it, making my garden lively and productive.

Growing Rocket in Containers

Growing rocket in containers is perfect for balcony gardening. It’s great for those with little space. With basic supplies and knowledge, anyone can grow this nutritious green at home, even in cities.

Best Containers for Rocket

Many container sizes work for growing rocket, from small pots to big window boxes. Make sure they have holes for drainage to avoid waterlogging. Choose containers at least 15-20 cm deep for the roots to grow well. Here are some good options:

Container Type	Size	Drainage
Plastic Pots	15-20 cm	Yes
Window Boxes	20-30 cm	Yes
Grow Bags	35-50 cm	Yes

Soil Requirements

Rocket loves well-drained soil with organic matter. A light, fertile mix is best. It keeps moisture and gives nutrients. Adding compost to the soil helps, making it better for the plants.

Sowing Seeds

Sowing rocket seeds is easy. Plant them 1.5 to 2 cm deep, about 3 cm apart. This lets each plant get enough nutrients and light. Germination takes about 3 weeks, leading to a quick harvest. Sow seeds often in spring to avoid bolting in warm weather. Rocket is a cut-and-come-again plant, so you can enjoy fresh leaves all season. Here’s how to start:

Prepare the container with fresh potting soil.
Plant the seeds at the right depth and spacing.
Water gently to moisten the soil.
Place the container in a sunny spot or partial shade.

Caring for Your Rocket Plants

Keeping my rocket plants healthy is key for a good harvest. I focus on watering, light, and care to help them grow well. In small spaces, I adjust my methods for container gardening.

Watering and Light Requirements

Rocket likes moist soil that drains well. When it’s dry, I water regularly to stop them from flowering too early. They love sunshine but too much can cause them to flower too soon. So, I give them some shade in the hottest months.

This helps them grow longer, giving me more time to harvest.

Maintaining Plant Health

Watching out for pests is important for plant health. Flee beetles can damage leaves. I water them well and pick leaves carefully to keep them healthy.

By harvesting leaves in a way that encourages growth, I make the most of my space. This method fits well with caring for plants in small areas.

After picking, I store rocket leaves in a paper bag. They stay fresh for 2-4 days in a cool, dark spot. Following these tips keeps my rocket plants healthy and productive. This way, I can enjoy their peppery taste all summer.

Conclusion

✅ Buy Rocket seeds from Amazon (opens in new window)

Growing rocket in containers has been a joy for me. It brings delicious flavours right to my balcony. I use pots that are at least 6-8 inches deep to get the best results.

Wild arugula and roquette do well in these conditions. They can grow up to 18 inches tall, making my balcony look great.

Keeping the soil pH between 6-7 and ensuring it gets enough sunlight is key. This way, I can pick fresh leaves in just 4 to 6 weeks. I make sure to provide the right amount of shade and water, which helps prevent the plants from bolting.

This makes my greens even sweeter. Each time I harvest, it adds a peppery kick to my meals. It’s like bringing a bit of the outdoors into my kitchen.

This journey in balcony gardening has also enriched my cooking. It has connected me with nature in the city. Growing rocket has sparked my interest in more gardening projects. Now, my home is a vibrant green space.

FAQ

How long does it take for rocket to grow?

Rocket can be ready to harvest in just four weeks. This makes it a great choice for gardeners with limited time.

Can I grow rocket in small pots?

Yes, rocket does well in small pots. Just make sure they have good drainage.

What sunlight does rocket need?

Rocket loves full sun but needs some shade in the hottest months. This helps prevent it from flowering too early.

Do I need to fertilise my rocket plants?

Fertilising with a balanced, organic fertiliser can help. It promotes healthy growth and better nutrient uptake.

Can I grow rocket indoors?

Absolutely! Rocket grows well indoors in containers. It needs enough light, either from the sun or grow lamps.

How do I harvest rocket?

Harvest rocket by cutting the outer leaves. This method lets the plant keep growing in the centre.

Is rocket suitable for balcony gardening?

Yes, rocket is perfect for balcony gardens. It’s great for making the most of small spaces to grow fresh produce.

What should I do if my rocket starts to flower?

If rocket flowers, it means it’s stressed. You can trim the tops to encourage new leaves. Or, you can use the flowers in salads.

Can I grow other herbs with rocket in the same container?

Yes, you can grow herbs like chives or parsley with rocket. Just make sure they need similar light and water.