What is Rocket Salad?

This native of the Mediterranean has only recently found its way back into the British herb garden after an absence of a few hundred years. An annual salad plant with pungent tasting leaves; it is used a great deal in Southern France and Italy. It has been in continuous cultivation since the Romans, who prized the flavor of its leaves and seeds. In England the Elizabethans were extremely partial to it. Some fascinating past uses suggest that it should be taken before a whipping to alleviate the pain, and used as protection against bites of the shrew mouse and other venomous beasts.

Species

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa

Salad Rocket

Half-hardy annual. Ht 2-3ft (60-90cm). The flowers are yellowish at first, and then in the summer they become whiter with purple veins. The oval lanced-shaped leaves have a nutty flavor.

Cultivation

Propagation

This herb is better grown direct in the garden.

Pests and Diseases

This herb rarely suffers from pests and diseases.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds.

Summer: Pick like mad to prevent flowering.

Autumn: In mild climates sow seeds for winter salads.

Winter: In cooler climates use a cloche for protection.

Garden Cultivation

Sow seed in prepared rows in rich moist soil and a lightly shaded position. In warm countries, sow in autumn to ensure winter leaves. In cooler climates sow in early spring after the last frost, as in severe winters it may not survive. Thin the seedlings to 8in (20cm). It will be ready to pick within 6 to 8 weeks of sowing. It should be gathered before flowering. Be forewarned, late spring sowings are apt to run to seed quickly; if not picked sufficiently, the thin stems of cabbage flowers rise and flavor is lost from the

Harvest

Harvest leaf within 8 weeks of spring sowing, and keep cutting.

Container growing

Salad rocket is not really suitable for growing in containers, but it is possible. Sow in spring directly into a pot or window box. Use the bark, peat potting soil. Water and pick regularly. Do not use liquid fertilizer, as this makes the leaves too lush and bereft of flavor.

Culinary

Add the leaves to all forms of salad. The younger leaves have a milder taste than the older ones, which have a definite peppery flavor. Leaves can also be added to sauces and to other vegetable dishes either raw or steamed. This herb is one of many leaves included in the Provencal salad mixture called mesclun.

Medicinal

At one time used medicinally in cough syrup.