Scientific Name: Eruca vesicaria
Common Names: Arugula, Rocket, Rucola, Garden Rocket, Roquette
Description
Eruca vesicaria, commonly known Rocket, is an annual leafy green vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is characterized by its lobed, dark green leaves with a peppery, slightly bitter flavor. It typically grows to about 1-2 feet tall and produces small white or pale yellow flowers with dark purple veins in late spring or early summer. Rocket is a fast-growing, cool-season crop, popular in salads and Mediterranean cuisine.
Uses
Culinary:
Leaves: The leaves are widely used fresh in salads, pesto, and as a garnish, offering a distinct peppery and slightly nutty flavor. Rocket  can also be added to sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, and cooked dishes.
Flowers: The edible flowers are mildly peppery and can be used as a garnish or in salads for an added visual appeal.
Seeds: The seeds can be pressed to make Rocket  oil, which has a similar flavor profile to the leaves and is used in some regional cuisines.
Nutritional Benefits:
Rocket  is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants. It is a low-calorie food that supports bone health, boosts the immune system, and aids digestion.
Medicinal:
Traditionally, arugula has been used to support digestive health, as it contains compounds that may help with detoxification and inflammation.
Ornamental:
Due to its attractive flowers and compact growth habit, Rocket  can be grown ornamentally in herb gardens, kitchen gardens, and containers.
Growing Instructions
1. Climate and Soil Requirements:
Rocket thrives in cool weather and prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It does not tolerate extreme heat well and is best planted in early spring or fall.
2.  Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot weather. Regular watering encourages tender, mild-tasting leaves.
4. Fertilization:
Rocket benefits from a light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer at planting. Over-fertilizing can lead to rapid growth, which may cause the leaves to become more bitter.
5. Maintenance:
Thinning: Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding and improve airflow, which helps reduce disease risks.
Pests/Diseases: Rocket can be affected by flea beetles, aphids, and downy mildew. Use floating row covers to protect young plants and organic insecticides if needed.
6. Harvesting:
Begin harvesting leaves when they are about 2-3 inches long, usually within 3-4 weeks of sowing. Harvest outer leaves as needed, or cut the entire plant about 1 inch above the base to encourage regrowth.
If Rocket  bolts (produces flowers), the leaves can become more bitter, but the flowers are still edible and can be harvested.
7. Companion Planting:
Rocketgrows well alongside other cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and radishes. Avoid planting near cabbage, as they can attract similar pests.