How to grow Rocket in New Zealand
Rocket, also called arugula, is a fast, peppery salad leaf that is ready to pick four to six weeks after planting. It prefers cool weather and is easiest in spring and autumn; in summer heat it bolts quickly and the leaves turn hot and bitter. Sow a little every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Rocket in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | February to April, August to October | |
| Auckland | February to April, August to October | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | February to April, August to October | |
| Central North Island | February to April, September and October | Skip August in the central North Island. Hard frosts and cold soil stall seedlings, so start in September, under a cloche if you can. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | February to April, August to October | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February to April, August to October | |
| Canterbury | February to April, September to November | Start spring sowings in Sep under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to mid October. Keep sowing through Nov with steady watering. |
| Otago & Southland | February and March, October to December | Start spring sowings in Oct under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to late October. Cool summers let you keep sowing through Nov to Dec. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
| Central Otago | February and March, October and November | Start spring sowings in Oct under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run into early November. Keep sowing through Nov with steady watering. Make the last sowing in Mar so the crop is ready before winter growth stops. |
Not to be confused with: Wild rocket, a perennial type with narrower, more deeply cut leaves and a hotter flavour, and mizuna, a mild Asian salad green.
Where to plant
Rocket grows in full sun to part shade and prefers cool temperatures. In warm districts and in summer, give it shade during the hottest part of the day to slow bolting. Fertile, moist soil gives the most tender leaves.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato, the Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Nelson: sow from late summer through autumn and again from late winter into spring.
- Central North Island: skip August. Hard frosts and cold soil stall seedlings, so start in September, under a cloche if you can.
- Canterbury: start spring sowings in September under a cloche or frost cloth, as frosts run to mid October, and keep sowing into November.
- Otago, Southland and Central Otago: start in October under a cloche, and make the last autumn sowing in March.
Choosing a variety
- Salad rocket is the common annual type with broad, mild leaves when young.
- Wild rocket is a perennial type with narrow, deeply cut leaves and a hotter flavour, and is slower to bolt.
How to plant
- Sow seed direct about 10 mm deep, 5 cm apart for baby leaves, or into trays.
- Keep well watered until the seedlings are up.
- Transplant tray-grown seedlings once they have two sets of true leaves.
- Sow again every two weeks for a continuous supply.
Watering and feeding
Keep the soil evenly moist; dry soil and sudden temperature changes make rocket bolt. Feed with a nitrogen-rich liquid fertiliser in spring and summer, and mulch to keep the roots cool.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pick regularly to keep fresh leaves coming.
- Provide light shade in the hottest part of the day in summer.
- Protect seedlings from slugs and snails.
- Pull out plants once they bolt and the leaves turn bitter, or let a few flower for the bees; the white flowers are edible.
Harvesting
Start picking about four to six weeks after planting. Pick young leaves for the mildest flavour, taking outer leaves or cutting the whole plant a few centimetres above the ground so it regrows. Older leaves are hotter and more peppery.
Growing in pots
Rocket is ideal for pots and troughs of quality potting mix. Sow thickly for baby leaves, keep the mix moist, and move the pot into shade in hot weather.
Companion planting
Rocket is quick and low, so it fits between slower crops.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Rocket is a brassica, so it shares some cabbage pests, but it is usually picked before they do much harm.
Pests to watch for
- Flea beetle Tiny holes peppering young leaves, worst in warm, dry weather.
- White butterfly Green caterpillars eating the leaves in warm months.
- Slugs Seedlings and leaves eaten overnight.
- Aphids Clusters of grey-green insects under leaves.
Diseases to watch for
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on the leaves with grey growth underneath in cool, damp weather.
Common questions
Why does my rocket bolt so quickly?
Heat, dry soil and sudden changes in temperature make rocket flower and go to seed. Keep the soil evenly moist, give it shade in the hottest part of the day, pick regularly, and grow it mainly in spring and autumn.
When is the best time to plant rocket in New Zealand?
Spring and autumn, when it is cool. In mild areas it can be grown most of the year with some summer shade. Choose your region at the top of the page for the months.
How long does rocket take to grow?
About four to six weeks from planting to the first picking.
Why is my rocket so bitter?
Older leaves, hot weather and bolting all make rocket hotter and more bitter. Pick young leaves and sow fresh every couple of weeks.
Can I eat rocket flowers?
Yes. The flowers are edible, with a mild peppery taste, and bees like them.
Sources we checked: Tui: Rocket growing guide; Kings Seeds: Rocket Arugula.