Rucola is also known by its second name rocket and can be sown with ease. However, sowing is not possible at any time and in every location. It is therefore worth getting a bit of background knowledge
When and how can I sow rocket?
Rucola can be sown outdoors from March to September or on the windowsill from January. Ideal conditions are a sunny to partially shaded location, light to medium-heavy substrate and a soil temperature of at least 15°C. Germination takes about 5 to 15 days.
Its requirements: period and site conditions
Rucola is frugal and tolerant when it comes to its location. It can be sown outdoors as well as on the balcony or windowsill in boxes and pots. It has the following basic requirements:
- Period for sowing outdoors: from March to September
- Pre-culture on a moderately warm windowsill possible from: January
- Location: sunny to partially shaded
- Substrate: light to medium-heavy, sandy-loamy, loose, humus
- Soil temperature: at least 15 °C
Once everything is prepared, you can start sowing
If you want to start with a pre-culture, choose a bright and moderately warm window sill in your home. The rocket seeds are placed in a nutrient-rich herbal soil orPlanting soil is placed, covered with a thin layer of soil and watered vigorously. After about two weeks the first small seedlings are already visible.
Sowing outdoors can be done from March. If there is still extreme frost, the seeds or seedlings should be protected with garden fleece after sowing. The seeds are embedded 0.5 cm deep in the soil. A distance of 15 cm is sufficient between the rows. The seeds are then covered thinly with soil and watered.
How much time does the rocket take?
The rocket seeds and also the seedlings should be kept moist. The reason: Rocket is a shallow-rooted plant that relies on a regular supply of water from above. The optimal germination temperature for rocket is between 10 and 16 °C. After a germination period of between 5 and 15 days, its seedlings see the light of day.
Harvesting should generally take place before flowering. Otherwise, its life force is mainly found in the flowers; its leaves taste bitter and sharper and are also richer in nitrates. It is best to harvest the arugula 3 to 6 weeks after sowing.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to enjoy fresh rocket regularly from spring to autumn, you should sow seeds every two to four weeks. It is also advisable to only cut off the rocket that has already grown and not to pull it completely out of the ground with its roots. Buying new rocket seeds is becoming increasingly common.