Vegetable · Brassicaceae family
garden rocket
Eruca vesicaria
In short a 10-second read
Garden rocket (vegetable) grows to 0.2–0.9 m tall and 0.2–0.45 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil. Sow in April–September. Harvest in May–October.
× spread 0.2–0.45 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich, sandy, clay
Soil pH 6–7.5
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
harvest regularly (June–September)
Sowing
direct sowing: April–September
Harvest
May–October
Winter protection
does not overwinter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When do I sow garden rocket?
In April–September (direct sowing).
When is garden rocket harvested?
In May–October.
Does garden rocket tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does garden rocket need?
At maturity 0.2–0.45 m wide and 0.2–0.9 m tall; recommended spacing 15 cm.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 2 September 2026.
Show sources (4)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS — How to grow rocket
- Wikidata (CC0) — Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU
