Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, we guarantee reasonable germination and true-to-type growth for one year from purchase.
Non-seed products: Free from defects in materials and workmanship for 30 days from shipment.
Excludes factors outside our control (extreme weather, pests, gardener error). If something’s off, contact us—we’ll make it right with a replacement, repair, or refund.
USDA “bioengineered (BE)” foods are those with detectable genetic material that was modified using in vitro recombinant DNA (rDNA) techniques, in ways
not obtainable through conventional breeding or found in nature. The USDA’s National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard uses “bioengineered” as the nationwide labeling term.
Detectable modified genetic material in the final food
Created via in vitro rDNA techniques (e.g., gene transfer)
Modifications not achievable through conventional breeding or nature
—seeds / pkt
( ~ g )
Description:
Rocket Arugula (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) is a fast-growing, cool-season green prized for its bold, peppery flavor and tender, lance-shaped leaves. This classic salad arugula matures quickly, producing abundant foliage with that signature sharp bite perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and garnishes. Plants grow upright and reliably even in smaller spaces, thriving in early spring and fall when temperatures are cooler.
Rocket Arugula is exceptionally easy to grow, making it a favorite for beginners and market growers alike. Frequent harvesting encourages fresh regrowth, allowing for multiple cuttings throughout the season. Whether grown in garden beds, raised beds, or containers, this variety offers dependable production and vibrant flavor that elevates any dish with its fresh, spicy character.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In warm climates, light afternoon shade helps maintain leaf tenderness and reduces premature bolting.
Soil: Grows best in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.2. Avoid high-nitrogen soils that produce excessive leaf growth and mild flavor.
Before sowing, loosen the top 6–8 inches of soil and incorporate 1–2 inches of compost to improve structure and moisture retention.
Starting Seeds Indoors (Optional)
Timing: Sow indoors 4–5 weeks before the last expected frost for early harvests.
Containers: Use shallow trays or biodegradable pots filled with fine seed-starting mix.
Sowing Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep, cover lightly, and mist to keep evenly moist.
Germination: Occurs in 5–10 days at 60–70°F (16–21°C). Provide bright light as soon as seedlings emerge.
Direct Sowing Outdoors
Timing: Direct sow as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, or in late summer to early fall for a cool-season crop.
Depth: Sow ¼ inch deep, firm soil gently, and water lightly.
Spacing: Thin seedlings to 4–6 inches apart with 10–12 inches between rows. For baby leaf harvest, sow more densely and cut when plants reach 3–4 inches tall.
Transplanting Seedlings
Timing: Transplant when seedlings are 2–3 inches tall and have two or more true leaves.
Hardening Off: Expose seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions for 5–7 days before transplanting.
Planting Depth: Set plants at the same depth as in trays. Press soil gently around roots and water immediately to settle the soil.
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Additional Tips — Rocket Arugula
Harvesting
Harvest leaves when they reach 3–5 inches long for the best texture and flavor. Young leaves are tender with a refined peppery taste, while older leaves develop a bolder, spicier bite. For continuous harvest, cut outer leaves and leave the inner crown to regrow.
If growing as a perennial, trim flower stems promptly to prolong leaf production, or allow a few to mature for seed saving. Morning harvest preserves crispness and essential oils.
Tip: Frequent harvesting not only encourages new growth but also delays bolting, keeping your rocket lush and aromatic longer.
Flavor & Culinary Notes
Wild Rocket offers a bold, peppery, and earthy flavor—more intense than standard arugula. Its sharpness pairs beautifully with lemon, parmesan, grilled meats, and olive oil.
Use fresh in salads, layered on pizzas after baking, tossed into pasta just before serving, or blended into pesto for a spicy twist. Lightly sautéing or wilting reduces pungency and enhances its nutty undertones.
Tip: Pair Wild Rocket with sweet or acidic ingredients (such as citrus, figs, or balsamic vinegar) to balance its natural heat.
Handling & Storage
Store freshly harvested leaves in a perforated plastic bag or damp cloth in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Do not wash until ready to use—excess moisture shortens shelf life.
For longer storage, harvest early in the day, rinse quickly in cool water, and dry completely before refrigeration.
Tip: To revive slightly wilted leaves, soak briefly in cold water, then pat dry.
Growing & Maintenance
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; partial shade helps preserve tenderness in summer.
Feeding: Moderate feeder; too much nitrogen softens flavor and attracts aphids.
Pruning: Regular cutting of leaves and flower stems extends productivity.
Perennial Care: In mild climates, cut back plants after flowering to encourage regrowth for another season.
Tip: Wild Rocket thrives in lean soils—avoid overfeeding for the best flavor concentration.
Seed Saving
Select vigorous, true-to-type plants with strong aroma and leaf shape. Allow flower stalks to mature and dry on the plant; pods will turn light brown and rattle when ready.
Cut stalks before full shattering, hang upside down in a dry, shaded area, and thresh gently. Clean and store seeds in airtight jars or envelopes in a cool, dark location. Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years.
Tip: Wild Rocket cross-pollinates easily with other Diplotaxis species—isolate by 500 feet or bag flower clusters for purity.
Container Tips
Wild Rocket adapts well to containers 8–10 inches deep with well-drained potting mix. Ensure steady moisture and occasional feeding with compost tea. Allow at least 6 inches of spacing between plants for airflow.
Tip: In warm climates, move pots to partial shade in summer to reduce bolting.
Companion Planting
Grow alongside carrots, onions, beets, and herbs like dill or chamomile. Avoid planting near other Brassicas to reduce shared pest pressure.
Its yellow flowers attract beneficial pollinators and predatory insects, making it a valuable border crop for both utility and biodiversity.
Tip: Let a few plants flower at the end of the season—the blossoms attract bees and lacewings that protect neighboring crops.
Extended Season Care
Wild Rocket tolerates mild frost but benefits from light protection during freezes. Use row covers or low tunnels in early spring and fall. In cold climates, treat as an annual and reseed in succession every few weeks for a continual harvest.
Tip: In Zones 7–10, mulch crowns lightly through winter—plants will often return stronger the following spring.
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Q: What makes Wild Rocket different from regular arugula?
A: Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) is a distinct species from garden arugula (Eruca vesicaria), offering narrower, deeply serrated leaves and a stronger, more complex flavor. It’s slower-growing but more aromatic, earthy, and spicy—favored by chefs for its intensity and endurance.
Q: How long does Wild Rocket take to mature?
A: It grows slower than cultivated arugulas, reaching baby-leaf stage in 30–35 days and full maturity in 50–60 days. Once established, it produces steadily over a long season and even returns as a short-lived perennial in mild climates.
Q: Is Wild Rocket perennial or annual?
A: Technically a short-lived perennial, especially in USDA Zones 6–10. It survives light frosts and often self-seeds for naturalized regrowth year after year.
Q: How spicy is Wild Rocket compared to other arugulas?
A: It’s the most pungent of all—peppery, nutty, and slightly smoky with herbal and mustard-like undertones. Its bite intensifies in full sun and lean soil.
Q: What temperatures does it prefer?
A: Ideal growing range is 45–70°F (7–21°C). It tolerates heat better than Eruca types and continues to produce through summer with consistent watering.
Q: What soil type does Wild Rocket prefer?
A: Sandy loam or well-draining soil with moderate fertility. It thrives in slightly dry, poor soils similar to its native Mediterranean habitat—too much fertility softens flavor.
Q: How should I harvest Wild Rocket?
A: Cut leaves at 3–5 inches long, leaving the crown intact for regrowth. Frequent trimming encourages dense, tender new shoots and delays flowering.
Q: Can Wild Rocket grow in containers?
A: Yes, though it prefers deeper containers (8–10 inches) with excellent drainage. Allow some plants to mature and flower for pollinators and seed saving.
Q: How can I keep Wild Rocket from getting too bitter?
A: Harvest young leaves regularly and provide consistent moisture. Drought and excessive heat concentrate glucosinolates, intensifying the sharpness.
Q: What are the best culinary uses for Wild Rocket?
A: Ideal for bold salads, pizza toppings, pestos, and pasta. Its sharp flavor pairs beautifully with lemon, parmesan, cured meats, and roasted vegetables.
Q: Does Wild Rocket attract pollinators?
A: Yes! Its small yellow flowers are highly attractive to bees, hoverflies, and beneficial wasps, making it a dual-purpose herb for flavor and biodiversity.
Wild Rocket Arugula, also known as perennial arugula or Sylvetta, differs from garden arugula in that it’s a long-lived, slow-bolting, and deeply flavorful species. When saving seed, select plants with vigorous growth, finely serrated leaves, and bold, peppery flavor. Because this species is insect-pollinated and can cross easily with other Diplotaxis species, isolate by at least 1,000 feet (preferably ¼–½ mile) to maintain purity.
Choose 10–15 of the strongest, healthiest plants that display desirable leaf texture and tolerance to both drought and cold. Avoid plants that flower prematurely or show weak regrowth after cutting.
2. Harvesting Seeds
After flowering, the plant forms narrow, elongated seed pods. Allow pods to turn tan and dry naturally on the stalk, but harvest before they split open. Cut mature seed stalks and hang them upside down in a shaded, airy place for 7–10 days to complete drying.
Because Wild Rocket is perennial, you can allow a few stalks to self-seed naturally for future growth while still harvesting a portion for collection.
3. Threshing and Cleaning
Once pods are dry and brittle, crush them gently between your hands or underfoot on a tarp. Separate seeds from chaff using a fine screen or winnowing in a gentle breeze.
Optional organic sanitization methods:
3% hydrogen peroxide soak for 5 minutes, or
Chamomile tea rinse for a natural antifungal benefit.
Always dry thoroughly after cleaning.
4. Drying Seeds
Spread seeds evenly on parchment, screen, or ceramic surface in a shaded, ventilated space. Allow 7–10 days of drying until the seeds are hard and crisp. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat (>95°F / 35°C) to prevent damage to viability.
5. Storing Seeds
Once completely dry, store in airtight glass jars or paper envelopes with a desiccant (silica gel or baked rice). Keep in a cool, dark, and dry environment (ideal 35–45°F / 1–7°C). Properly stored Wild Rocket Arugula seeds remain viable for 5–7 years, sometimes longer due to their natural oil content.
Label with the variety name, year saved, and notes such as “best leaf regrowth” or “strong perennial habit.”
6. Testing Seed Viability
To assess germination:
Place 10 seeds on a moist paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag.
Keep at 70–75°F (21–24°C) for 7–10 days.
Count germinated seeds:
8–10 = excellent
6–7 = acceptable
Below 6 = resave or reselect next generation.
7. Preventing Cross-Pollination
Wild Rocket is insect-pollinated, so maintaining distance from other Diplotaxis or wild mustard species is critical. For purity:
Isolate by 1,000 feet minimum (preferably ¼–½ mile).
Alternatively, use fine mesh or floating row cover to restrict pollinator access to designated seed plants.
Hand-pollinate selected plants for controlled breeding.
8. Record Keeping and Documentation
Document each seed-saving cycle with details on:
Flowering and regrowth timing
Leaf flavor and serration pattern
Drought or cold tolerance
Yield and seed pod productivity
Germination test outcomes and storage location
Over time, these records help refine a strain adapted to your climate and soil conditions.
9. Organic Tips for Success
Practice 3–4 year crop rotation with non-Brassicaceae crops.
Compost spent pods and stems to restore soil fertility.
Encourage pollinators—wild bees, hoverflies, and wasps—for balanced ecology.
Avoid synthetic chemicals or treated seed coatings.
Re-save every few seasons to preserve vigor and ensure adaptation to your region’s conditions.
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Our seeds are grown and sourced from the US. They're then packed and shipped from Colerain NC.
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Alliance Of Native Seedkeepers
Arugula Seeds - Rocket Arugula
$200 USD
Unit price /
Unavailable
Description:
Rocket Arugula (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa) is a fast-growing, cool-season green prized for its bold, peppery flavor and tender, lance-shaped leaves. This classic salad arugula matures quickly, producing abundant foliage with that signature sharp bite perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and garnishes. Plants grow upright and reliably even in smaller spaces, thriving in early spring and fall when temperatures are cooler.
Rocket Arugula is exceptionally easy to grow, making it a favorite for beginners and market growers alike. Frequent harvesting encourages fresh regrowth, allowing for multiple cuttings throughout the season. Whether grown in garden beds, raised beds, or containers, this variety offers dependable production and vibrant flavor that elevates any dish with its fresh, spicy character.
