Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: kimbobill on May 26, 2008, 10:14:44

Title: rocket
Post by: kimbobill on May 26, 2008, 10:14:44
Hi, some of the plant are starting to bolt with only a few small leaves at the bass a long stalk with a flower forming, what the best solution? pinch out the flower? I've tried the flower bud very tasty, would just like some more leaves
any advice please
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: djbrenton on May 26, 2008, 10:45:05
I let my rocket set seed and have a permanent bed. There's plenty of time for a second crop to develop this year.
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: saddad on May 26, 2008, 11:18:48
and even a third... Land cress is much the same but hotter and self seeds liberally..  ;D
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: PurpleHeather on June 02, 2008, 19:47:24
It is probably the quickest plant to sprout to flower there is, have just sown some in a shady area to hope that it will delay the action.
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: Twirlie on June 03, 2008, 00:26:54
I've done rocket and mixed red and green leaves in a fish box I got from the market, just asked the fishmonger for one as they throw them away.  It's perfect as the sides are quite high and it hasn't gone to seed yet!  also the slugs don't seem to like polystyrene and can't get in!  I have it in the back yard insted of the allotment so I just pick it when I want it!  problem is I keep walking past it and eating it!!!!  Can't believe how easy it is to grow and how much you pay for a bag of mixed leaves at the supermarket!!!!  BONUS!!!!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: Crystalmoon on June 06, 2008, 21:26:46
Thanks for the tip Twirlie Ive got some large polystyrene boxes in my shed I can now put to good use  ;D
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: caroline7758 on June 07, 2008, 11:32:48
I asked this question on another rocket thread but didn't get an answer- is rocket "cut & come again" or once cut it's finished?
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: Zoglet on June 07, 2008, 23:09:06
According to Joy Larkcom it is. I grew it last year and picked leaves as I need them for salad. It did fine.

Hope this helps

:)
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: manicscousers on June 08, 2008, 07:38:00
mine seem to be stuck, about 2" high, do they need sun, warmth or cool, shade?
heard they go to seed if they're too hot
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: Garjan on June 08, 2008, 20:46:14
Rocket is a weed, originally, and my rocket grows anywhere! Sun, shade, cool, hot, it really doesn't demand any special conditions.
And it self seeds like crazy, so I usualy have three crops a season. Take the leaves off and the plant will still grow. The flowers are edible and look pretty in a salad.

You can't go wrong with rocket. Spinach on the other hand..... I have never been able to grow spinach!
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: Pookledo on June 09, 2008, 11:27:48
Quote from: djbrenton on May 26, 2008, 10:45:05
I let my rocket set seed and have a permanent bed. There's plenty of time for a second crop to develop this year.

I've got my rocket in a container. Would I be best to save the seed and resow it? Mine has just started to flower, but I've had loads of leaves of it as I've been using it as a cut and come again salad.

If I have to save the seed, how so I do it?
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: lolabelle on June 09, 2008, 15:11:23
i'v had my rocket in a big terracota pot this this is its third year, its suddenly wilted , the reason its tap root has blocked the hole in the pot(itys end somewhre in Aus I should think) so its water bound so relucantly its gone to the compost heap  :'(
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: GodfreyRob on June 09, 2008, 17:26:29
Rockets tends to go to seed a lot quicker in the warmer weather/longer days. Its less likely to do this in spring and autumn.
Title: Re: rocket
Post by: markfield rover on June 09, 2008, 17:38:29
Pookledo,You may find the plant does the the sowing for you ,mine did everywhere,year after year.



Title: Re: rocket
Post by: Pookledo on June 09, 2008, 20:16:05
Quote from: markfield rover on June 09, 2008, 17:38:29
Pookledo,You may find the plant does the the sowing for you ,mine did everywhere,year after year.

Okey dokes! I'll leave it where it is then. I've already made a second sowing in another container to keep me going.