Troubleshooting
Wild Rocket problems — and how to fix them
Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Flea beetle
Tiny holes punched in leaves by Phyllotreta species. Protect young plants with fine mesh netting (50-micron); damage is cosmetic on mature plants.
Bolting
Warm weather triggers flowering. Remove flower stems to prolong leafy growth; allow some to set seed for self-sowing.
Downy mildew
Yellowing patches with grey spores under leaves in humid conditions. Improve spacing and air flow; avoid overhead watering.
Slugs
Attack seedlings and young growth. Use grit mulch or wildlife-safe ferric phosphate pellets around the base of plants.
Bitter or tough leaves
Pick regularly and young for best flavour. Older leaves become very tough and overly pungent; harvest-cut encourages fresh, tender regrowth.
Prevent wild rocket problems before they start
Most wild rocket issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Wild Rocket problems — FAQ
Why is my wild rocket flea beetle?
Tiny holes punched in leaves by Phyllotreta species. Protect young plants with fine mesh netting (50-micron); damage is cosmetic on mature plants.
Why is my wild rocket bolting?
Warm weather triggers flowering. Remove flower stems to prolong leafy growth; allow some to set seed for self-sowing.
Why is my wild rocket downy mildew?
Yellowing patches with grey spores under leaves in humid conditions. Improve spacing and air flow; avoid overhead watering.
Why is my wild rocket slugs?
Attack seedlings and young growth. Use grit mulch or wildlife-safe ferric phosphate pellets around the base of plants.
Why is my wild rocket bitter or tough leaves?
Pick regularly and young for best flavour. Older leaves become very tough and overly pungent; harvest-cut encourages fresh, tender regrowth.