How to Grow Rocket in New Zealand
Fast and peppery, easiest in the cooler months when it is slower to run to seed. Sow little and often and pick young for the mildest flavour.
When to plant rocket in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best rocket varieties for NZ
- Rocket (Salad / Roquette) — Fast peppery annual rocket for cut-and-come-again salad leaves. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Wild Rocket (Sylvetta) — Slower perennial type with finer leaves and a stronger, lasting bite. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow rocket
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 40 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 7 days.
Companion planting
Grow rocket near: Lettuce, Carrot.
Pests and problems
Watch for: White butterfly, Slugs, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Rocket plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant rocket in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy rocket seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.