Green Rocket arugula is a popular leafy green known for its distinctive peppery flavor and rapid growth. It’s a versatile and easy-to-grow annual, providing fresh leaves for home gardens.
Understanding Green Rocket
Green Rocket is a variety of arugula, botanically known as Eruca vesicaria or Eruca sativa. Its lobed leaves deliver a pungent, slightly nutty, and peppery taste that intensifies with maturity. It typically reaches harvest readiness within 20 to 40 days from seeding. Arugula also provides beneficial nutrients, including vitamins K and A, alongside folate. Its unique flavor profile enhances salads, sandwiches, and cooked dishes across many cuisines.
Growing Green Rocket
Green Rocket arugula thrives with proper site selection and soil preparation. This plant thrives in locations receiving full sun to partial shade, meaning at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is ideal, with an ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Amending heavy clay soils with compost improves drainage and nutrient availability.
Direct sowing seeds is the most effective planting method for Green Rocket. Seeds should be planted approximately 0.25 to 0.5 inches deep and spaced about 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. For a continuous harvest, succession planting every two to three weeks is recommended. After planting, water gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact and consistent moisture for germination.
Caring for Green Rocket
Consistent moisture is crucial for tender Green Rocket leaves and to prevent premature bolting, especially during warmer periods. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and soil type. Maintaining even soil moisture helps keep the peppery flavor mild and prevents the leaves from becoming overly bitter. Mulching around plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor for common pests like flea beetles, which can chew numerous small holes in leaves. Covering young plants with a lightweight row cover provides an effective physical barrier against these pests. While Green Rocket is generally disease-resistant, ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can minimize fungal issues. Bolting, or premature flowering, often occurs in hot weather; harvesting regularly and providing some afternoon shade can delay this process. A light application of balanced liquid fertilizer may be beneficial if soil nutrients are low, particularly in sandy soils.
Harvesting Green Rocket
Harvesting Green Rocket arugula at optimal time ensures best flavor and tenderness. Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach about 2 to 4 inches in length, typically 20-40 days after sowing. This “cut-and-come-again” method encourages the plant to produce new growth from the center, extending the harvest period. Using sharp scissors or a knife, snip individual leaves near the base, taking care not to damage the plant’s crown. Regular harvesting prevents leaves from becoming too large or overly pungent.
Culinary Uses and Storage
Freshly harvested Green Rocket arugula adds a vibrant, peppery flavor to many culinary creations. It is commonly enjoyed raw in salads, where its distinct flavor complements other greens and vegetables. It also enhances sandwiches, wraps, and can be scattered over pizzas and pasta dishes just before serving to preserve its delicate texture. Beyond fresh applications, it can be lightly wilted into warm dishes or blended into pesto as a flavorful alternative to basil.
Before storage, gently wash the leaves under cool running water and thoroughly dry them using a salad spinner or paper towels. Excess moisture can lead to rapid spoilage. To maintain freshness, store Green Rocket in a breathable bag or container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for five to seven days.