Diplotaxis tenuifolia
Wild rocket
Common names: Narrow-leaved rocket, Perennial rocket
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Diplotaxis tenuifolia, commonly known as wild rocket, is a perennial herb with narrow, deeply serrated leaves and a sharper, more peppery flavor than the annual garden rocket. It forms dense clumps over several years and reliably regrows after cutting, making it a productive perennial for small gardens or balcony pots. Small yellow cross-shaped flowers appear from early summer to autumn, attracting wild bees. Young leaves are harvested continuously; older foliage becomes increasingly sharp and is better suited for seasoning than fresh salad.
Care instructions
Wild rocket prefers a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-draining, somewhat lean soil. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings; excess moisture harms the roots more than brief dryness. Regularly trim the outer leaves a few centimeters above the soil to encourage new growth and keep the plant compact. Remove flower stems early if milder leaves are desired; otherwise the flavor will become noticeably sharper over time. As a perennial, it tolerates mild winters outdoors and regrows from the roots each spring.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, lean, sandy, lime-loving
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
legume family (Fabaceae)
particularly well establishedLeguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.
For example PeaBush beanPole beanBroad beanMarker peaSugar pea and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
carrot family (Apiaceae)
You can pair celery and dill with all Brassicaceae because they repel the cabbage whitefly with their scent, a proven companion.
For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue
Source: Bio-Gärtnerei Mixed-culture Practice
mint family (Lamiaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example LavenderThymeBasilRosemarySageHyssop and 31 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
nasturtium family (Tropaeolaceae)
Nasturtium serves as a trap plant for you. Aphids and cabbage whiteflies prefer it over the brassicaceae next to it.
For example Tropaeolum majusMashua
Source: Trap plant practice in organic horticulture
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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