Joyce J
1 August 2022
I love getting out in the garden when the Perth weather suits. Let’s talk about vegetable growing, in particular how to grow Rocket in your Perth backyard.
(Whilst most of this guide suits anywhere in Australia, check local conditions for growing months if you live outside Perth.)
Get your children involved. Not only is it educational learning where their food comes from, studies have shown that children are more likely to eat what they have helped grow.
When should you plant Rocket?
The best months to plant Rocket in Perth are Aug-Nov, Feb-Mar. You can plant using Seed, ideally when the soil temperature is around 10-20 degrees celcius and the air is around 15-30 degree celcius.
Seeds or Transplant? Seed
Ideal air temp: 15-30c
Ideal soil temp: 10-20c
Can Rocket grow in pots?
Yes, they can grow in pots. Be mindful of the size they grow to.
The great thing about planting Rocket in pots is that you can move them around easily, should they need more or less sun, or are getting attacked by pests. In some cases, you can even grow Rocket indoors, as long as the position can get enough sun.
How much sun should Rocket get?
You will discover that Rocket thrives on Sun to part shade.
Some gardens get more shade than others, and your direction north etc varies. Try the ideal position first, and if the Rocket isn’t growing well enough, maybe try a more or less sunnier spot.
To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.
Mahatma Gandhi
How often should you water Rocket?
Rocket really enjoys when it gets Regular watering.
They prefer soil that is Well-drained.
When can you harvest?
Being a 2 to 3 weeks vegetable, the ideal time to harvest your Rocket crop is around Oct-Dec, Mar-May. Play it by ear though, and just see how your plant(s) do this season.
Growing Rocket in rows
If you are getting serious with your vegetable garden, you may wish to grow Rocket in rows. You’ll need to allow around 20 centimetres between rows, and 15-20 centimetres between each seedling or seed.
Space between rows: 20 cm
Space between seedlings: 15-20 cm
Keep the seeds!
Did you know that you can keep Rocket seeds for up to 4 years, and use them to grow more next season?
Eating vegetables makes me feel good.
Joely Fisher
Enjoy delicious Rocket in your Perth garden
You can save so much money by growing Rocket in your own backyard.
Knowing where your food comes from and what went into it means you have no safety concerns. There’s something special about knowing what went into the food on your plate.
Enjoy the taste of your own homegrown vegetables – enjoy!
