Rocket Rocket can be used to 'pep up' salads. It is easy to grow, and quick to mature, providing an abundance of tangy, spicy leaves. Sow outdoors thinly from April to August, where they are to crop, 0.5cm deep, directly into finely-prepared, fertile, moisture-retentive soil, which has already been watered. Allow 25cm between rows. Early sowings may benefit from cloche protection. Seedlings usually appear in 7-21 days. Water well and ensure soil remains moist to prevent plants running to seed. Thin out to 10cm (4") apart, using thinnings in salads. No thinning is necessary if only baby leaves are required. Regular sowings, made every two to three weeks, will ensure a continuous supply. Take a few leaves from each plant and this will give up to four cuts, or pick whole, mature plants. Harvest from May to October.