General
Wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia), often sold as arugula, is a perennial leafy brassica with narrow, deeply lobed leaves and a bold peppery flavor. Compared with cultivated arugula (Eruca sativa), it is usually slower from seed, more pungent, and more tolerant of heat and longer days. Plants form a hardy crown and a deeper root system, which supports repeated harvests over a long season. In mild climates it can overwinter reliably and start growing early in spring; in colder areas it may act as a short-lived perennial or need light protection. It also readily flowers if stressed, and the blossoms can be valuable for pollinators and beneficial insects.
Light
Full sun to partial shade. In hot summers, partial shade keeps leaves more tender.
Soil type
Well-drained soil is key. Wild rocket tolerates leaner, sandier soils better than cultivated arugula, but performs best with some organic matter and good drainage.
Water requirement
Moderate. Keep evenly moist during germination and establishment; once rooted it tolerates short dry spells, but consistent moisture gives faster regrowth and less tough leaves.
Nutrient requirement
Low to moderate. Too much nitrogen can give soft growth and stronger pest pressure; light feeding is usually enough.
Precultivation
Pre-cultivation is optional but can give earlier, more reliable plants—especially where spring soils stay cold or pests are intense. Sow 2–3 seeds per cell, about 0.5 cm deep, and keep the medium evenly moist. Germination is best around 16–20°C, and seedlings appreciate strong light. After emergence, grow a bit cooler and avoid very warm, dry indoor air that can stall growth. Thin to one plant per cell. Harden off gradually (wind and sun exposure) before planting out to prevent shock and to help plants cope with outdoor temperature swings.
Planting
Plant out once temperatures are reliably above about 10°C and the risk of hard frost is low. Choose a site with good drainage and at least half a day of sun. Space 10–15 cm for regular harvesting, or 20 cm if you want larger, long-lived clumps. Water well after planting and keep moisture steady for the first 2–3 weeks while roots establish. Direct sowing works too, but germination can be slower and more uneven than cultivated arugula—sow shallowly and keep the top layer from drying out. In hot weather, a little afternoon shade can improve leaf tenderness.
Pruning
No pruning in the traditional sense. Regular harvesting is the main way to ‘shape’ the plant. If plants get tall or leggy, shear back to a few centimeters above the crown to encourage fresh basal leaves. If you want maximum leaf production, remove flower stalks early; if you want beneficial insects or seed, let a few stems bloom.
Maintenance
Top-dress with compost at planting and again lightly during the growing season if growth slows. Because wild rocket is perennial, aim for steady but modest fertility: too much feeding can reduce leaf quality and increase pest issues. Water during prolonged drought—consistent moisture helps keep leaves tender and supports faster regrowth after cutting. In very wet soils, improve drainage (raised bed, lighter mix) to avoid winter and spring crown rot. In containers, use a well-draining mix and don’t let pots dry completely. Consider fine insect netting over young plants if flea beetles are a recurring problem; established plants often tolerate some damage better than seedlings.
Harvest
Start harvesting once leaves reach about 8–12 cm. For best regrowth, cut outer leaves first or shear above the crown, leaving the growing point intact. Harvesting little and often encourages continuous production. Leaves become tougher and more pungent as they age; for milder salads pick young leaves, and use older leaves for pesto, sautéing, or mixing into dishes where a peppery kick is welcome. In cool weather, regrowth is slower but leaf quality is often excellent.
Common issues
Flea beetles can pepper young leaves with ‘shot holes’—netting early, keeping soil moist, and avoiding stressed seedlings helps. Caterpillars (brassica moths) may appear later; netting and handpicking are effective for small plantings. Poor drainage can cause crown/root rot, especially over winter—prioritize drainage and avoid heavy, waterlogged soil. Older clumps can become woody and less tender—cut back hard and top-dress, or refresh with new plants every couple of years.
Pollination
Insect-pollinated if allowed to flower; flowers are attractive to many beneficial insects.
Companion plants
Lettuce, spinach, onions, garlic, chives, dill, cilantro, calendula, and other quick greens; useful as a perennial “salad patch” edge plant.
Incompatible plants
Fennel; avoid repeated planting next to other brassicas when pest pressure is high (shared flea beetles and caterpillars).
