Rocca, a leafy green known for its distinct flavor, is a popular choice for home gardeners due to its rapid growth and simple cultivation. Its culinary versatility makes it a favored ingredient in many dishes. Growing rocca at home provides a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful leaves.
What is Rocca
Rocca, also known as Arugula or Rocket, is an edible annual plant in the Brassicaceae family, which includes broccoli and cabbage. It is known for its peppery, slightly bitter, and tart flavor. The plant forms a rosette of lobed, green leaves, 3 to 8 inches long. Both young and mature leaves are used, with younger leaves offering a milder taste. Rocca is a common addition to salads, sandwiches, pizza toppings, or pasta dishes.
Growing Rocca at Home
Site Selection and Soil
Rocca thrives in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Loamy soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged is preferable. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, providing afternoon shade can help prevent premature bolting.
Planting Rocca
Rocca is grown from seed and can be sown directly into the garden or in containers. Optimal planting times are during cooler seasons, such as early spring or late summer, when temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F). Sow seeds about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) deep, covering them lightly with fine soil or compost. Seeds germinate within 5 to 10 days.
Watering and Fertilizing
Consistent moisture is important for rocca to ensure steady growth and prevent premature seeding. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells or warm weather. If the soil is poor in nutrients, a light application of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be beneficial at about a quarter of the recommended strength. Fertilizing once or twice a month may be sufficient as the plants grow larger.
Spacing and Thinning
Proper spacing between rocca plants is important for air circulation and robust growth. When direct sowing, allow for initial spacing that permits later thinning. Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them to 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) apart within rows. Thinning prevents overcrowding, which can lead to stunted growth and competition for nutrients, water, and light. To thin, cut weaker seedlings at soil level to avoid disturbing the roots of the plants you intend to keep.
Harvesting and Storing Rocca
Rocca is a fast-growing crop, often ready for harvest in 3 to 4 weeks after sowing, especially for young, tender leaves. The cut-and-come-again method is effective for continuous harvesting; snip the outer leaves when they are a few inches long, allowing inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest in the morning or evening to maintain leaf crispness. The plant can be harvested multiple times throughout its growing season as long as temperatures remain cool.
To store harvested rocca, wash the leaves gently and ensure they are dry. Place them in a container with a moist paper towel at the bottom, add the rocca, and place another moist paper towel on top. This method helps maintain freshness and crispness for up to 10 days in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Common Rocca Plant Challenges
Bolting is a primary concern for rocca plants. Bolting occurs when the plant prematurely sends up a flower stalk and goes to seed, often triggered by heat, stress, or long daylight hours. Once rocca bolts, its leaves become bitter and tough. To delay bolting, ensure consistent soil moisture, provide partial shade during hot periods, and avoid planting too early if warm temperatures are expected. Pinching out developing flower stems can temporarily prolong leaf production.
Pests such as flea beetles and aphids can affect rocca. Flea beetles, small jumping insects, create numerous small holes in the leaves, severely damaging young plants. To manage flea beetles organically, use floating row covers after sowing or introduce beneficial nematodes to target larvae. Aphids, small sap-sucking insects, can be managed by spraying plants with a strong water stream or encouraging natural predators like ladybugs. Good garden sanitation, including removing plant debris, helps prevent pest overwintering.
Rocca can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, often encouraged by humid conditions and overcrowding. Ensuring adequate plant spacing and watering at the soil level rather than overhead can help prevent these issues.