Also known as Arugula · Commercial Arugula · Garden Arugula
Rocket (Eruca sativa) is a fast-growing annual herb with a peppery flavor, popular in salads and culinary dishes. It thrives in cool weather and well-drained soil.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for best growth and flavor.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 10-24°C. Can bolt in extreme heat.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light
25% intensity
Generally requires little to no fertilizer, especially in fertile soil.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top 2-3 cm feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can dilute the peppery flavor.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous growth. This practice acts as a form of pruning.
Pinch back flower stalks as soon as they appear to prevent the plant from going to seed and to maintain leaf production and flavor quality.
Eruca sativa is primarily propagated by seeds. Sow seeds directly into the garden or containers in spring or fall.
Seeds germinate quickly, usually within 5-10 days, and plants grow rapidly, making them ideal for successive planting.
Repotting is generally not required for Eruca sativa as it is a fast-growing annual harvested within a single growing season. If growing in containers and intending to keep the plant for an extended period, select a pot with good drainage and fresh potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Rocketsalad (Eruca sativa)
Where Rocketsalad (Eruca sativa) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Eruca |
| Species | Eruca sativa |
Similar in genus Eruca
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
