How Rocket reproduces
How Rocket reproduces
Rocket or arugula (Eruca vesicaria (L.) Cav.) Is an annual herbaceous plant of the Brassicaceae family.
Arugula is a plant known since ancient times. The ancient Romans attributed aphrodisiac properties to Rucola and also consumed its seeds.
It must be said that rocket was once more appreciated for medicinal virtues than for food use.
This plant grows spontaneously in Mediterranean Italy, from sea level and up to 800 meters in height; its favorite substrate is very loose and sandy.
Remember that the vegetative cycle of this plant is very short: from the moment of sowing, which is carried out in spring directly in the ground, to the completion of the life cycle often only a few weeks pass. It also grows well in full sun as well as in light shade, as long as it is sheltered from the winds. In climatic conditions these plants maintain vegetation even in winter. For the details of the cultivation technique, however, refer to the following sheet.
Propagation of Arugula –
Rocket is an easy to grow leaf vegetable; it is enough to have little availability of earth or a container; it is important that it is well worked and fertilized, on which to sow the small dark seeds dense; then it is sufficient to water abundantly, without creating stagnations, that the collection of the leaves, by cutting the base, takes place continuously.
The sowing technique is linked to the continuous consumption of this vegetable, which is why the consequent mowing of the rocket “lawn” makes it possible to harvest it for a very long time.
As over time the plants can begin to lose vigor and create thin stems, and small yellow flowers, it is necessary to re-sow, especially during and after flowering as the rocket leaves become excessively leathery, and less valuable than the young leaves. .
This is the reason why small plots with gradual sowing must be prepared; in fact as soon as the foliage begins to develop too much and the presence of small flowers begins, it is advisable to work the plot to prepare it for a subsequent sowing.
It should also be remembered that during the winter months the cultivated rocket can be sown in greenhouses, even if, without heating, the production times of the leaves for our salads will be extended.
The cultivation of rocket can also be carried out in large containers or pots.