Rocket

[scotti]

Started this years rocket by sowing seeds in a pot, then transplanting into small containers and then planting these direcly into a cold frame so not to disturb roots. All grew leggey and had to compost the lot. What did I do wrong?

[Vegmonkey]

Hi, did they get enough light? If they didn't, the leggyness may have been due to the seedlings trying to reach the light. I've sown mine direct into the beds, and they've grown well. It's had it's first cutting, and tasted great, and is starting to regrow from the stump. I've also just sown some with rocket which is just coming up.

Another reason could be bad drainage. Best bet is to try again, and give them at leat 8cm between plants

Good luck

[Alice]

You could try planting just straight into the ground Scotti. I've never transplanted Rocket. It seems to just grow wherever you put the seeds. If I start it early in a pot I just leave the pot outside and eat it from there. It doesn't seem to be fussy about the weather.

[Alison]

Like Alice, I've grown it in pots but have then just left it in there and it's been fine. I usually tend to sow small amounts every few weeks as I don't want too much of it in one go.

[rustylady]

I don't transplant rocket. In fact I sowed a trough of mixed salad leaves (originally in the cold greenhouse and now out on the patio) and the only thing which is doing really well is the rocket.

[momol]

I have sowed mine early in spring ( 2 march ), they were in small pots and due to lack of light they grew leggy. After 3 weeks I planted in poly tunnel (5 days hardening first, then they were planted deeper ). I have been harvesting for 5 or 6 times as cut and come again. Today will pull out the rest and sow new seed. They are bolting and no longer so vigorous.

Momol

[Flummery]

I don't sow outside as I had them perforated by flee-beetles when I tried. They grow well in a small pot on the windowsill in the kitchen. Husband doesn't like rocket so I only need a few leaves at a time for my own salads. This method is great and they can re-sprout until you feel the need for another sowing. My latest sowing came through recently in about 3 days.