London rocket

Biological Name:

London-rocket: Sisymbrium irio

Natural Habitat:

The natural habitat of London-rocket is likely grassy areas, such as fields and meadows, in temperate regions.

Description:

London-rocket is a type of flowering plant that is commonly found in fields and other grassy areas. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family which also includes plants such as broccoli and cabbage. London-rocket is an annual or perennial plant that produces small yellow or white flowers and clusters of seeds. The plant is often used as a cover crop to improve soil health and suppress weeds. It is also known for its ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions including wet or dry soils. In some areas London-rocket is considered a weed because of its ability to invade cultivated areas and cause allergies and other health problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are London rocket edible?
A: This plant is edible and tastes like mustard. The edible parts of this plant are the flower, the young leaves, and the seeds. London rocket is typically only used sparingly as the flavor of this plant is hot and pungent.
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Q: Is rocket good for health?
A: rocket. Both these leafy greens are rich in chlorophyll, amino acids and vitamins C, E, B and K. They also contain beta-carotenes, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin (for eye health). But rocket also provides glucosinolates, which help to protect against cancer.
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Q: Is raw rocket good for you?
A: A cereal-sized bowl of rocket leaves counts as one of your 5-a-day (one portion of veg or fruit is 80g raw weight), plus rocket is high in folate, and is a source of calcium and vitamin C.
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Q: Is London rocket the same as arugula?
A: Love it or hate it, rocket is popular all over the world. Also known as arugula, roquette and rucola, it’s known for its pungent and peppery flavours. It might look like an unassuming leafy vegetable, but the reasons for its taste, health benefits and whether we like it all comes down to genetics.
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Q: When should you eat a rocket?
A: You can start harvesting the leaves from about four weeks after sowing. Regular picking keeps growth young, tender and tasty. Pick a few leaves from each plant along the row.
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Q: What is London Rocket good for?
A: London rocket is used in the Middle East to treat coughs and chest congestion, to relieve rheumatism, to detoxify the liver and spleen, and to reduce swelling and clean wounds. The Bedouin use the leaf of London Rocket as a tobacco substitute.
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Q: Are rockets poisonous?
A: Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ has no toxic effects reported.
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Q: Where is London rocket from?
A: London rocket is a highly competitive winter annual broadleaf plant. In California it is found in primarily in the lower two thirds of the state but has also been reported in upper central valley to about 2600 feet (800 m).
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Q: Is rocket easy to grow in the UK?
A: Rocket is an easy-to-grow crop that adds a lovely peppery flavour to salads.
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Q: Who invented rocket U0001f680?
A: Robert Hutchings Goddard (1882-1945) is considered the father of modern rocket propulsion. A physicist of great insight, Goddard also had a unique genius for invention.
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Q: Is Dames rocket native to Canada?
A: Habitat: Dame’s-rocket is an old-fashioned ornamental that was introduced from Europe and escaped from cultivation.
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Q: How do you identify a London rocket?
A: London rocket flowers are 0.2-0.3 in. in diameter with four bright or pale yellow petals. The plant produces seed pods that are round, very narrow, 1.0-1.5 in. long, green to brown in color, straight or curved, and hairless.
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Q: How does rocket taste like?
A: You might also know this leafy veg as arugula. Rocket is a leafy green with small dark leaves. It has a spicy, peppery, mustard-like flavour. It is mostly used in salads but can also be added to a pizza or tossed through a pasta before serving. Vinegar or citrus balance its flavour.
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Q: What can you do with the London rocket?
A: London rocket is used in the Middle East to treat coughs and chest congestion, to relieve rheumatism, to detoxify the liver and spleen, and to reduce swelling and clean wounds. The Bedouin use the leaf of London Rocket as a tobacco substitute.
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Q: Is London rocket native to Arizona?
A: London rocket is a native of Eurasia that came to Arizona in 1909. A winter annual, it begins to grow and flower in January or February, earlier than our native wildflowers. This allows it to outcompete these natives for water and sunlight. London rocket is found all over Tucson.
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Q: How do you know when rocket is ready to pick?
A: The leaves are usually ready to harvest four to six weeks after sowing. Start harvesting when the leaves are 8 – 10cm long. Cut or pick the salad leaves from the plant as and when they are needed. Picking leaves regularly will ensure that plenty of tasty new leaves keep growing.
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Q: What is yellow rocket used for?
A: Historically, the plant has been used as a poultice for wounds. It was thought to be an efficient medicinal for scurvy, which is a vitamin C deficiency. This weed with yellow flowers is also a natural diuretic. Because bittercress is bitter, it is used as a natural plant bitter.
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Q: Is London rocket invasive?
A: irio is an annual or winter-annual, herbaceous, stiffly erect, tap-rooted plant. It first came to prominence as an invasive species, and gained its common name ‘London rocket’ when it became abundant after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
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Q: How invasive are dames rockets?
A: Like garlic mustard, dame’s rocket is an aggressive invasive species that spreads easily on many sites. A single dame’s rocket plant can release 20,000 seeds – hence why it spreads so rapidly!
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Q: Can you grow rocket outside in the UK?
A: Salad Rocket can be sown in a heated frame from February and outdoors from April onwards. Whether you sow it in beds or pots, both the plant and its use lend themselves to successional sowing. It may be sown every two to three weeks for a continuous supply of fresh leaves through to autumn.
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About the author

Samuel is a gardening professional and enthusiast who has spent over 20 years advising homeowners and farm owners on weed identification, prevention and removal. He has an undergraduate degree in plant and soil science from Michigan State University.