5 Steps to Rocket Success
- Choose a sunny spot for successful rocket.
- Prepare your soil well with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets.
- Add a layer of vegetable mix to plant into. Rocket can generally be grown year-round in New Zealand.
- Feed every four weeks during key growth periods with vegetable food for plenty of leafy growth.
- Keep your rocket well watered and pick regularly to encourage fresh growth.
Follow our full guide below for a bumper crop of homegrown rocket.
Rocket is a very quick-growing crop that is commonly used as a salad ingredient or blended into egg and cheese dishes. Rocket has a distinctive sharp, peppery flavour and is ready in a matter of weeks from planting.
Ideal in pots and containers, it is also very easy to grow, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. Varieties include Annual Rocket and Perennial Rocket.
Prepare
If you’re a first-time gardener you may find it easier to grow from seedlings, rather than seeds, although seeds are a more economical option. Check seed packets or plant labels for individual planting instructions.
Shop Tui Rocket Seed for a fast growing crop of peppery leaves.
Refer to our Planting Calendar for when to plant rocket in your region.
Plant
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Vegetable Mix. If planting in pots and containers, fill with Tui Vegetable Mix.
The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Find a full sun, sheltered position to plant and space at least two hand spaces apart, to ensure the crops can fully mature and are not fighting for space, fertilise and water. If you planted rocket or a certain variety of salad green last year don’t grow them in the same spot as pests and diseases can be lingering in the soil, read our Crop Rotation Guide here.
Planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Partly fill the hole with Tui Vegetable Mix.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Vegetable Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well.
Planting in pots and containers
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Partly fill your container with Tui Vegetable Mix.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the container.
- Fill your container with Tui Vegetable Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Tap the container gently on the ground to settle the mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well.
Be vigilant and stop unwanted insects and diseases from ruining your plants. Don’t put up the welcome sign to the munch bunch of slugs and snails. These pests love coming for dinner in autumn, apply Tui Quash slug & snail control every few weeks to protect your seedlings.
Nourish
Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your rocket grows to its full potential. Select a fertiliser specially blended for your crop like Tui Vegetable Food. Feed rocket planted in pots and containers with Tui NovaTec Premium fertiliser. Well watered, well nourished veges will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay.
While your rocket are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost. Keep your garden weed free.
The weather, weeds, pest insects and diseases can all impact on the success of your garden. Coming into winter it is important to protect your plants from the colder weather with layers of mulch like Tui Mulch & Feed.