Guide on Starting Rocket Leaves from Seeds

Guide on Starting Rocket Leaves from Seeds

Rocket, with its distinctive peppery flavor, is a fast and easy-to-grow plant that's a staple in many salads. This guide will walk you through the process of growing rocket seeds at home, from seed preparation to care and maintenance.

Seed Preparation and Germination Using Paper Towels

1. Take 2 or more paper towels, fold them to create a thick layer on a plate.
2. Moisten the towels with bottled spring water until damp but avoid excess water pooling. Drain any excess water from the setup.
3. Place the rocket seeds gently on the damp paper towels using tweezers; do not handle seeds directly with hands as they are fragile.
4. Keep the paper towels moist at all times; do not let them dry out, as dry conditions prevent germination.
5. Let the setup remain at room temperature (between 68 to 77°F or 20 to 25°C). Most seeds will germinate within 24 to 48 hours, but some varieties can take up to 7 days.

Transplanting Seedlings to Soil

1. Once seeds sprout and produce small roots and shoots, carefully transfer seedlings to small pots filled with well-draining soil.
2. Plant the seedlings at the same depth they were during germination.
3. Water gently to avoid disturbing roots.
4. Maintain steady temperature and moisture to encourage root growth and reduce plant stress.

Growing Rocket Plants in Soil

1. Use pots or garden beds with good drainage. Soil depth of about 3-4 inches is sufficient since rocket roots are shallow.
2. Sow seeds about 1 seed per cm along the drill (line) and cover lightly with soil.
3. Water gently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth stages.
5. After germination (usually within 2 days), place the plants in a sunny spot where they can receive at least 3-4 hours of sunlight daily.

Care and Maintenance

1. Water the young rocket plants twice daily with a fine mist or sprinkling to keep soil surface moist without flooding.
2. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
3. If indoors, ensure adequate airflow and possibly supplementary lighting to mimic sunlight conditions.
4. Rocket grows quickly; microgreens can be harvested once they reach 2-3 inches tall, usually in about 1 week.

Additional Tips

• Use bottled spring water or fresh tap water free from heavy chlorination during germination for best results.
• Avoid moving or disturbing the germination setup frequently to prevent damage to fragile seeds.
• Handle seedlings carefully with tweezers when transplanting to avoid damage.

This method replicates natural germination closely and has a high success rate (around 80% or higher) if instructions are closely followed.

Varieties of Rocket Seeds

Thompson & Morgan, Suttons, and Dobies offer a variety of rocket seeds, including 'Dragon's Tongue', known for its purplish-veined leaves and good bolt resistance, and 'Wasabi' rocket with its hot, spicy flavor.

Growing Conditions

Rocket grows best in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. When sowing rocket seeds, use a line to mark out the row, sow seeds thinly about 3cm apart, cover the seeds lightly with soil, remove weed remnants or large stones, and water the seeds in well using a watering can with the rose attached.

Harvesting and Storing Rocket

Rocket can be harvested as a 'cut-and-come-again' crop by picking a few leaves from each plant. Rocket leaves can be stored fresh in the fridge for several days in a sealed container. If you wish to freeze rocket leaves, they need to be blanched before freezing.

Pests and Diseases

Rocket is fairly free of pests and diseases, but flea beetle may eat tiny holes in the leaves. Both the leaves and flowers of the rocket plant are edible, with the flowers making lovely decorations for salads and other dishes.

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1. For a more diverse garden, consider adding rocket seeds to your home-and-garden collection, as they can complement salads and lifestyle choices that emphasize health and fresh produce.
2. Once your rocket plants have grown and are thriving in your garden, you can enjoy the delightful, peppery flavor of home-grown rocket in your home-made salads, contributing to an improved home-and-garden lifestyle.

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