Cultivating the rocket on the balcony may seem simple, but the summer sun risks ruining it in a few days. Some targeted tricks are enough to obtain green, crunchy and always ready to collect leaves.
Many believe that rocket is a plant that is satisfied slightly, but the reality is different. The summer heat, especially that of the balconies exposed to the south, can ruin everything in a few days. Burn leaves, too intense flavor, early blooms: here are some of the signals that something is wrong. And it’s a shame, considering how easy it is to prevent them with a minimum of attention.
The first step is to choose the position of the vessels carefully. A good exposure is not enough: it is needed balance between light and shadow. The trick? Place the vases next to a clear wall that reflects the light without “cooking” the leaves. And maybe take advantage of an umbrella or a higher plant to make some natural shadow in the central hours. They are small gestures, but they make a big difference when the sun beats really strong.
When to sow the rocket and how to choose the right place
It is often believed that it is enough to launch a few seeds in a vase and wait, but it is not quite so. There rocket loves lightbut not the sun directed in the central hours. Better a position where it receives light in the morning and shadow in the afternoon. The balconies exposed to the east are perfect, but if there is only one exposure to the south, it can be resorted to light or natural shade or shadow, like higher plants next to it. The ideal sowing takes place between March and October, avoiding the hottest periods if you do not have the opportunity to shade. It can also be sown every 2-3 weeks, so as to have continuous production for all the summer. A curious detail: the rocket sprouts in a few days, often 48 hours are enough to see the first green threads come out of the ground.
Another element not to be underestimated is the soil: It must be light and well draining. Nothing complicated is needed, just a mix with a little sand and compost. The stagnation of water, in fact, are enemies of the rocket almost as much as the direct sun.
Common mistakes to avoid in order not to ruin the plant
Despite being a rather rustic plant, there are some common mistakes which can compromise everything. Some are committed to them without even realizing it, driven by the haste or belief that “so much rocket grows alone”. But that’s not exactly the case. She too has her needs, simple but precise. And often a little mistake is enough to see it suffer.
Here’s what to do:
- Water in the hottest hours: the water warms up and stress the plant
- Use too deep vases: better wide and low
- Expose all day to the direct sun: it favors the bitterness of the leaves
- Collect only at the base: better to alternate the leaves
A useful trick is to water early in the morning or after sunset, using water at room temperature. What if you notice that the plant starts to bloom too early? It is probably stressed by the heat. In that case, it is better to cut the flowers and move the pot to a cooler area.
Those who cultivate rocket on the balcony know well that too small and pungent leaves are often a signal: something is wrong with water or exposure. Better not to ignore it.
How to get an abundant and lasting rocket
The key to one healthy and tasty rocket It is constancy. It is recommended to fertilize slightly every 15 days with an organic liquid fertilizer, diluted well. Nothing too strong, otherwise you risk altering the flavor.
Another trick that works: cover the ground with a thin layer of straw or dry leaves. In this way, humidity is preserved longer and protects the plant from the thermal change. A small gesture that can make a lot of difference, especially in the height of summer.
Finally, it is interesting to note that the rocket is one of those plants that “thank” if the leaves are collected regularly. It should not be growing too much, otherwise it becomes fibrous. The external leaves can be cut every 3-4 days, and the plant will continue to produce with enthusiasm.
Even those who have little space or no experience, with these small precautions, can transform a balcony angle into a micro vegetable garden full of satisfaction.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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