Rocket 'Astra' - SeedsEruca vesicaria subsp. sativaArugula, Rucola, Roquette, Mediterranean Rocket

Direct sow rocket seeds from April to September outdoors or October to March under glass, into well prepared, moist, well drained soil in sun or semi shade. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 1cm (1/2") in drills 45cm (18") apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. When large enough to handle, thin rocket seedlings to 23cm (9") apart, or leave un-thinned and harvest as 'baby salad' leaves or as a 'cut and come again' crop. Sowings made in late summer will continue cropping into winter if protected by cloches, or if sown in frames, under glass, or in pots on the windowsill.

Rocket must be kept well watered during hot, dry weather to reduce bolting and prevent the leaves becoming hot and inedible. Harvest young rocket leaves as required picking only a few leaves from each plant. As the flower buds appear pinch them out to prolong cropping. Rocket flower buds and shoots can be eaten but have a much hotter flavour.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.