Sow rocket outdoors March–May and again August–September, avoiding the hottest midsummer weeks when heat triggers bolting. Leaves are ready to cut in just four to six weeks, and the plant regrows two to three times before running to seed.
Last updated 3 July 2026
Rocket is ready in 3–6 weeks from sowing. Here's the timing, succession guide, and how to keep it from bolting in summer heat.
Ready to start growing? Read our full How to Grow Rocket UK →
Sowing dates and growing advice verified against RHS guidance by the SoilCommander Growing Team.
Part of the UK Vegetable Planting Calendar — see all sowing dates and monthly guides.
Rocket Planting Calendar
| Task | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First sowing (under cover) | February – March | Cloche or cold frame; soil temp min 5°C |
| Main outdoor sowing | March – May and August–September | Avoid midsummer; heat causes bolting |
| Harvest | April – November | Cut leaves when 8–10cm; plant regrows 2–3 times |
Wild Rocket vs Salad Rocket
- Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) — perennial, deeply divided leaves with a strong peppery flavour; crops over an extended period and tolerates poorer, drier soil.
- Salad Rocket (Eruca vesicaria) — annual, delicate and larger, milder leaves; flowers readily in heat and needs successive sowings to keep cropping.
- Named cultivars to look for: Victoria, Sky Rocket, Runway.
Source: RHS rocket grow-your-own guide.
Common Rocket Mistakes
- Choosing salad rocket for a low-maintenance patch — it flowers and bolts readily in heat and needs frequent successive sowing; wild rocket is slower to bolt and crops for longer with less effort.
- Leaving seedlings unprotected from slugs — RHS recommends barriers or starting indoors, since young seedlings are especially vulnerable.
- Growing a summer sowing in full sun — RHS recommends light shade specifically for early/mid-summer sowings to prolong cropping and delay bolting; full sun suits spring and late-summer sowings instead.
- Letting soil dry out — inconsistent moisture speeds up bolting and produces hotter, more bitter leaves.
- Panicking over flea beetle holes — RHS notes flea beetle causes only cosmetic damage on rocket; light shot-holing doesn't need drastic action, though fine mesh helps against persistent heavy damage.
Key Tips
- Succession sow every 2–3 weeks — rocket bolts quickly; small frequent sowings give a continuous supply
- Skip July sowings in most regions — heat causes bitter leaves and rapid bolting
- Sow again in August–September for a good autumn/early winter harvest
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I sow rocket in the UK?
Sow outdoors March to May and again August to September. Avoid the hottest weeks of midsummer, when heat triggers rapid bolting and bitter leaves.
What's the difference between wild rocket and salad rocket?
Wild rocket is a slower-bolting perennial with strong-flavoured, deeply divided leaves that tolerates poorer soil. Salad rocket is a milder annual with larger leaves that flowers readily in heat and needs more frequent sowing.
How do I stop rocket from bolting?
Grow early and mid-summer sowings in light shade, keep the soil consistently moist, avoid the hottest sowing weeks, and sow little and often rather than one large batch.
How long does rocket take to be ready?
Around four to six weeks from sowing to first cut. Harvest leaves at 8–10cm and the plant will regrow for two to three further pickings.
Regional Planting Notes
The RHS notes cooler regions see salad rocket "crop for longer" outside the peak of summer — gardeners in Scotland and northern England often get a more extended season than in the hottest southern spots, where bolting sets in faster.
Recommended Varieties
- Salad rocket (Eruca sativa) — fast-growing annual, peppery flavour, needs regular re-sowing in small batches through the season
- Wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) — slower to bolt, more perennial in habit, stronger-flavoured leaves that regrow reliably after cutting
Plan Your Rocket Sowings
Rocket bolts fast in summer heat — get the spring and late-summer sowing windows for rocket and 38 other UK crops.
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