Wild Rocket Microgreen Seeds

Wild Rocket is a fine-seeded specialty microgreen with fresh green foliage and an intense peppery, slightly nutty flavour. The seed requires no pre-soaking and the crop can generally be harvested in approximately 8–12 days.

What You Need

• Wild Rocket Microgreen Seeds
• A shallow tray with drainage holes
• A solid lower tray for bottom watering
• Fine seed-raising mix, coco coir or another suitable fine growing medium
• Clean drinking-quality water
• Fine mist sprayer
• A clear humidity cover or suitable tray cover if required
• Bright natural light or suitable grow lights
• Clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife

Seed Rate

For a standard 25 × 50cm microgreen tray, use approximately:

4–6g dry seed per tray

Wild Rocket seed is exceptionally fine, so distribute it thinly and evenly rather than creating dense patches.

Pre-Soak

No pre-soaking required.

Sow the seed dry. This makes the tiny seeds considerably easier to distribute evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean and thoroughly rinse trays, covers and growing tools.
2. Add approximately 2–3cm of fine seed-raising mix, coco coir or another suitable fine growing medium.
3. Moisten the medium evenly and allow excess water to drain.
4. Spread approximately 4–6g of dry seed as evenly as possible across the surface.
5. Gently press the seed into contact with the moist medium.
6. Leave the seed at or very close to the surface. A very fine covering of vermiculite may be used if preferred.
7. Mist carefully using clean drinking-quality water.
8. Use a clear humidity cover or lightly cover the tray during early establishment if required to prevent drying.
9. Remove the cover once seedlings establish.
10. Provide bright light and good airflow.
11. Bottom water once the roots are established.
12. Harvest at approximately 8–12 days while the foliage remains tender.

Covered Germination

Wild Rocket does not require a prolonged weighted blackout.

A clear humidity cover or short covered establishment period of approximately:

2–3 days

can help maintain moisture around the very fine seed.

Do not keep established seedlings under an opaque cover simply to extend stem length.

For more information about covered germination, see Microgreen Blackout Explained.

Germination

Expect germination in approximately:

3–7 days

Wild Rocket can emerge less uniformly than very fast microgreens such as radish.

Consistent surface moisture is especially important because the seeds are extremely small.

Temperature

Aim for approximately:

15–20°C

Wild Rocket favours cool to moderate growing conditions.

Light

Once seedlings establish, provide bright indirect natural light or suitable grow lights.

Good light encourages:

• compact growth;
• fresh green foliage;
• stronger stems; and
• healthy true-leaf development.

Avoid both prolonged darkness and continuous intense light during germination. A normal light-and-dark cycle is suitable for Wild Rocket.

Watering

During germination, mist carefully when required to prevent the surface from drying.

Because the seed is extremely fine, avoid heavy overhead watering that can move the seed into concentrated patches.

Once roots establish, bottom watering is preferable.

For detailed guidance, see How to Water Microgreens: Misting vs Bottom Watering.

Keep the growing medium evenly moist without leaving standing water beneath the tray.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest approximately:

8–12 days from sowing

Wild Rocket microgreens are generally ready when:

• cotyledons are fully open;
• the crop is healthy and green;
• shoots are approximately 4–7cm tall;
• early true leaves may be beginning to develop; and
• the characteristic strong peppery flavour is present.

Cut cleanly just above the growing medium using clean scissors or a sharp harvesting knife.

For more detailed guidance, see How to Harvest & Store Microgreens.

Refrigerate promptly in a clean container. If washed before refrigeration, drain and dry thoroughly first.

Growing for True Leaves

Wild Rocket can be allowed to grow slightly beyond the cotyledon stage if a more recognisable rocket appearance is preferred.

As true leaves develop:

• foliage becomes increasingly divided;
• the crop looks more like mature Wild Rocket;
• flavour generally becomes stronger; and
• texture gradually becomes more substantial.

Harvest before the shoots become coarse.

Root Hairs vs Mould

Fine white root hairs can occasionally be mistaken for mould.

Root hairs generally:

• grow directly from individual roots;
• appear relatively evenly; and
• become less noticeable immediately after watering.

Mould is more likely to:

• spread irregularly between seedlings;
• form web-like patches;
• persist after watering; or
• occur alongside slime, discolouration or unpleasant smells.

If you are uncertain, see Mould vs Root Hairs on Sprouts & Microgreens.

Discard crops showing obvious spoilage.

Growing Wild Rocket as Baby Leaf

For baby-leaf production:

1. Sow considerably less densely than for microgreens.
2. Allow more space between plants.
3. Continue growing beyond the microgreen stage.
4. Provide bright light or suitable outdoor conditions.
5. Maintain consistent moisture.
6. Harvest young leaves once they reach the preferred size.

Growing Wild Rocket to Maturity

Wild Rocket is a perennial or short-lived perennial leafy crop.

For mature plants:

1. Sow approximately 3–5mm deep.
2. Maintain consistent moisture during establishment.
3. Thin or transplant plants to approximately 20–30cm apart.
4. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil.
5. Provide full sun to partial shade.
6. Harvest outside leaves progressively.

For dedicated mature-herb growing, see Wild Rocket Herb Seeds.

Clean Growing / Food Safety

Use clean trays, fresh growing medium, drinking-quality water and clean harvesting equipment.

Maintain good drainage and airflow, and discard crops showing mould, slime, decay, abnormal discolouration or unpleasant smells.

Seed Storage

Store unused Wild Rocket seed sealed in a cool, dry and dark place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

For longer-term storage, refrigeration can help maintain seed viability. Keep refrigerated seed sealed while it returns to room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.