Wild Rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia]

The perennial wild rocket is a hardy Mediterranean wild salad and spice plant. The herb was once considered an aphrodisiac. A pioneer plant and the original form of the rocket we know today. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn-winter, good for mixed culture, harvest the leaves.

 Description 
Wild rocket is a perennial Mediterranean wild salad and herb that originally comes from the Mediterranean region. The hardy herb, used since Roman times, was considered an aphrodisiac and was later banned from cultivation in monastery and church gardens by the Catholic Church for this reason. It has been known in Central Europe since the 17th century and is still found wild in small populations all over the world, with a focus on the large river valleys, roadsides and ruderal areas as well as in the eastern low mountain ranges. Wild rocket is a pioneer plant and the original form of the well-known rocket as we know it today. The plant has narrow, serrated leaves and an intensely spicy aroma with a cress and walnut-like taste. The plant has a strong tendency to self-seed, so that it repeatedly forms larger stocks. Can be harvested continuously all year round. Very easy to cultivate and insensitive to short periods of drought.

 General information 
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 60 days
Plant height approx.: 50 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -20°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 6 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-20 °C
Germination time: 14-25 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 5-6 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Marigold
Unfavorable mixed culture: Asian salad, Mustard, Cress, Nasturtium

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from March to October is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to August is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Wild rocket ideally prefers a soil that is moderately nutrient-rich, moist, permeable, and contains loam and humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Insensitive to short periods of drought. If there is too much nitrogen, nitrate accumulates in the leaves. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Regular watering results in faster growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Diplotaxis tenuifolia
English names: Wild Rocket, Wild Arugula, Roquette, Wild Rucola, Wild Rugula
German names: Wilde Rauke, Rucola, Stinkrauke, Schmalblättriger Doppelsame
Portuguese names: Rúcula selvagem
Spanish names: Rúcula salvaje
French names: Roquette sauvage

 Origin 
Country: Portugal