Rocket is blooming: is it still edible when blooming?

There are two main types behind the term rocket: the annual garden, oil or mustard rocket (Eruca vesicaria) and the perennial wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia). The leaves are mainly used, thanks to their spicy to mild and hot to nutty taste. But what happens when arugula is in bloom, is it still safe to eat?

When the rocket blossoms

The first flowers open in June/July. It won't be long before the plants are in full bloom. You should know that the wild rocket produces yellow flowers and the mustard rocket produces white flowers. In contrast to the mustard rocket, the yellow flowering varieties are hotter and spicier and therefore particularly suitable for seasoning. Basically, the leaves are still edible when the rocket is blooming, but the older they get, the sharper and more bitter they taste. They also get a firmer structure.

But even arugula that is already in bloom has its advantages, because not only the leaves are edible, but also the flower buds, blossoms and seeds. For many, the flowers are a real delicacy. This applies to the mustard or salad rocket as well as to the wild rocket. The flowers have a rather mild flavor compared to the leaves. They are spicy, nutty and slightly sweet. They are somewhat reminiscent of watercress. They can add that certain something to salads, desserts and summery cocktails or be used as an accompaniment to main courses.

Arugula Season

• Arugula season begins four to six weeks after sowing
• Harvest leaves and stems throughout the growing season
• Leaves should have reached a length of 10-15 cm
• Particularly tender when young
• Choose a sunny afternoon to harvest
• The nitrate content is then lower
• Cut leaves about three centimeters above the ground
• Breaking out the tips can soften sharpness
• Harvest flowers in bud stage and during flowering

Stored dry and at temperatures between two and seven degrees, flowers stay fresh for up to five days. It is also possible to dry them and then process them in a herbal salt, for example. If you are only interested in the leaves, you should remove the buds at the beginning.

risk of confusion

Rocket has a poisonous double, yellow-flowered ragwort, a weed that contains potent liver toxins. There is a risk of confusion, especially if you like to collect wild herbs, rather less in the home garden. If you look closely, there are similarities but also significant differences.

arugula

• Risk of confusion, especially with wild rocket and ragwort
• Similarities and differences especially in the leaves
• Arugula leaf edges much more rounded
• Leaves larger and lighter in color with more pronounced veins
• Another distinguishing feature is the intensive smell of the rocket

Ragwort

• Ragwort leaves have small jagged edges
• Leaves more or less glabrous, thistle-like
• Younger plants in particular have cobweb-like hairs
• Blossoms develop into dandelions
• Ragwort poisonous even when dried

Wild Rocket – Varieties

'Dragon's Tongue'

The leaves of this new variety have striking red-purple veins. They are firmer, very aromatic and slightly spicy. Thanks to the coloring of the leaves and flowers, this rocket becomes a decorative and savory addition to the menu. Harvest after three to four weeks. Can be sown all year round as a greenhouse culture.

'Wasabi Rocket'

While most rocket varieties impress with a nutty taste, the wasabi rocket amazes with a clear and intense horseradish or horseradish flavor. wasabi note. After three to four weeks, young leaves can be harvested continuously.

'wildfire'

It is probably the sharpest rocket. Its leaves are wider than those of the classic varieties. It grows quickly, shoots late and its leaves have a particularly spicy and intense peppery taste.

Arugula a Foglia di Oliva

With its leaves, this variety is a bit out of the ordinary. The leaves are not slit, but narrow to olive-shaped and smooth-edged. Rucola a Foglia di Oliva is persistent, absolutely hardy and offers an excellent peanut taste.

Mustard or salad rocket – varieties

'pronto'

The fast-growing variety 'Pronto' is a further development of the ordinary rocket. Its green leaves are deeply and finely slit. They taste milder and slightly nutty but are still pleasantly spicy and peppery.

'Bologna'

It is a robust and reliable rocket with good taste properties. It grows faster than perennial varieties. Its finely toothed leaves have a very pleasant and spicy rocket flavor.

'Ruca'

The rocket salad 'Ruca' is a fast-growing, aromatic herb with a particularly spicy taste. Its leaves are tender, entire and slightly wavy. The taste is somewhere between cress and peanut.

Learn more about garden herbs