Eruca vesicaria
A hugely variable annual which may grow between 20 and 100cm tall, depending on conditions. It is very similar to UK native wild rocket. It has green, frondy leaves and 4-petalled, off-white or cream flowers veined with dark red. All of the plant is edible with a peppery taste
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Cream White Red | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted, Columnar upright
- Genus
Eruca is a genus of annual flowering plants in the brassica family which includes rocket. Flowers are creamy-white with purple veins and yellow stamens.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Propagate from seed
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
no pruning required but pick flowers as they develop to prevent it finishing early
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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