Diplotaxis muralis Wild Rocket from the family Brassicaceae
"Wild rocket is an immensely popular herb today, because it adds a distinctive peppery flavour to fresh salad. But it's also a medicinal herb: Wild rocket stimulates the digestion, and is high in sulphur, which promotes healthy skin, hair and nails. " Jekka McVicar
Wild rocket has been harvested for hundreds of years - indeed both the seeds and the leaves of rocket were used as a flavouring by the Romans. Today, supermarkets sell it by the bagful, but it's very easy and more economical to grow your own. |
Diplotaxis muralis Wild Rocket |
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A form of this herb can be found growing wild throughout Europe, Asia, and North and South America. |
For hundreds of years it has been collected in the wild and sold in markets, and both the leaves and seeds of rocket were used as flavouring by the Romans.
It has a much stronger taste than its close relative, Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa Salad rocket, and can be easily distinguished by its more deeply divided leaf shape. It's also not to be confused with Hesperis matronalis Sweet rocket, which, though culinary, has an entirely different taste. |
Wild rocket is a hardy perennial, but is often grown as an annual. It has yellow four-petalled flowers appearing in summer, and the green, deeply divided aromatic leaves form a rosette as the plant matures. |
Propagation
Seed: Sow seeds in early spring under protection at 18°C (65°F). Sow thinly and cover with perlite. Germination usually takes 5-10 days. Alternativley, sow seeds in late spring or early summer, when the air temperature at night does not fall below 7° C (45° F), the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Sow into prepared open ground, where the soil is rich, moist and lightly shaded. Sow thinly in rows 23cm (9in.) apart, cover lightly with soil and water in. Germination should take place within 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 20cm (8in) apart.
Garden Cultivation: Wild rocket will grow anywhere, taking off like a "rocket" - hence its name. It has adapted to the poorest of sites, growing in crevices and walls, but poor sites produce tough and bitter tasting leaves.To produce a lush, tender leaf crop, grow rocket in light shade, in a well-prepared, well-fed soil.
Later in the year, cover young plants with horticultural fleece to extend the picking season until the temperature falls below -1°C (30°F). The following spring, dig up old plants and sow a fresh crop. |
Wild rocket has bright yellow flowers
with four petals
To produce a lush, tender leaf crop, grow in light shade and well-fed soil.
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Wild rocket has a bright yellow flower with four petals. The leaves become more deeply divided and pungent as the plant matures. The stem is narrow and edible when young, adding crunch to a fresh green salad. |
Container Growing: Wild rocket is not ideal as a container plant, because it grows a long tap root, but it can still be done quite easily, provided that the container has plenty of room for the roots to grow, and that the soil is well drained.
Harvesting: Pick the leaves and flowers to use fresh as required throughout the growing season. You can even eat the stem of a young plant - add it to a fresh green salad for extra crunch. Extend the picking season later in the year by covering young plants with horticultural fleece.
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Uses:
Medicinal: Wild rocket is a digestive stimulant. It is also high in sulphur, which is good for healthy skin, hair and nails.
Culinary: The leaves are delicious in salads. Dress the leaves with salt, lemon, oil and vinegar. Or simply serve Wild Rocket leaves with a little |
| fresh parmesan cheese. Or add Wild rocket leaves to mayonnaise to add a peppery, beefy flavour which combines well with new potatoes or egg dishes. |
How to Order: click on the image below for more info'..
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From 'Seeds - the Ultimate Guide...' and 'Jekka's Herb Cookbook' by
Jekka McVicar
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