Rocket (Eruca vesicaria)

🌱

☀️

Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes stronger peppery flavor in leaves

💧

Watering Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot and fungal growth

🌡️

Temperature Thrives in cool 10–20℃; tolerates light frost down to 4℃; bolts quickly in temperatures above 25℃

🔍

Leaf: Lobed, oblong to spatulate leaves with peppery scent when crushed
Flower: Small white to pale lavender flowers with purple veins; four petals in cross shape
Stem: Erect, branching green stems with fine, sparse hairs

🛠️

Watering

Water deeply when top 2 cm of soil feels dry; maintain consistent moisture

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize leaf growth over flowering

Banana peel tea：Soak 1 chopped banana peel in 1L water for 24 hours; dilute 1:2 before watering to support leaf development without overfeeding

Pruning

Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous new growth
Remove emerging flower stalks promptly to delay bolting and extend leaf production
Trim yellowing or damaged leaves to improve air circulation

⚠️

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; safe for culinary consumption

📖

Culture: N/A

Usage: Edible leaves for salads, pesto, and cooked dishes; traditional medicinal use for mild digestive relief