UK sowing calendar
When to sow rocket in the UK
Rocket sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Feb-Mar |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Mar-Sep |
| Harvest | May-Oct |
Best direct-sown; leaves are ready in 4-6 weeks. It bolts fast in warm weather, so sow small batches every fortnight; an Aug-Sep sowing under cloches or fleece gives pickings into winter.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for rocket.
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When to sow rocket in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow rocket in the UK?
Sow rocket under cover Feb-Mar, then outdoors mar-sep. Best direct-sown; leaves are ready in 4-6 weeks. It bolts fast in warm weather, so sow small batches every fortnight; an Aug-Sep sowing under cloches or fleece gives pickings into winter.
Can you sow rocket outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant rocket outdoors mar-sep. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is rocket ready to harvest in the UK?
Rocket is typically harvested May-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow rocket?
It depends on the month and your region. Rocket has a UK outdoor window of mar-sep; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.