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Annual BiennialHerbs - Culinary

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 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H6
Botanical 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

Get involved

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