Rocket Astra - Arugula

'Astra' rocket is a very vigorous British bred variety with excellent resistance to bolting. It produces finely serrated leaves with a tasty, spicy flavour. This fast-growing variety is ready to harvest 21 days after sowing. It can be harvested all year round when protected from the cold. It will give good results in normal soil, even in unfavourable weather conditions.

Rocket, also known as Arugula, is a very aromatic, easy-to-grow leaf vegetable. With its unique, peppery leaves, rocket is halfway between a salad green and a condiment. As well as bringing a punchy note to salad mixes, it is also a key ingredient in many Italian dishes such as lasagna and pizza. Rocket is a good source of vitamin C and iron. Wild rocket has smaller, stronger-flavoured leaves.

Rocket is fast-growing and can be harvested all year round providing it is protected from the cold. It enjoys moist, cool, free-draining soil but will generally give good results in ordinary soil.

Harvest: harvest the leaves from May to October by cutting them off at ground level. For longer harvests, stagger your sowing. Wild rocket is harvested from July to August.

Storage: Rocket will keep for a few days in the refrigerator although its flavour is strongest when the leaves are freshly picked.

Good to know: Flea beetles are partial to rocket leaves, which they will soon cover with small holes in dry, hot weather. The best way to keep flea beetles in check is by installing insect veils or fleece over your crops after sowing.