Once a simple wild leaf, rocket has been in cultivation for centuries in its native Mediterranean countries and is now one of the most popular fresh culinary ingredients used in British kitchens today. A satisfying and easy crop to grow, it is quick to germinate and gives masses of fresh green leaves over a long season. Its distinctive peppery flavour adds an extra dimension to salads and many other hot and cold dishes, and the dark green, frilly leaves make a pretty garnish that is so tasty it is rarely left on the plate! Also highly nutritious, rocket is rich in potassium and vitamin C. Growing your own rocket is a much cheaper alternative to buying those supermarket bags, as well as being kinder to the environment and far less wasteful as you only need pick what you are going to use - the perfect 'cut-and-come-again' garden veg! Equally happy in containers as well as in the ground, rocket thrives in well-cultivated, moist but free-draining soil in a warm and sunny position, although it will benefit from some shade during very hot days to retain optimum flavour and texture. Successional sowings will give continuous crops over a long season. Leaves will be ready to harvest 6-7 weeks after sowing, or even from 2 weeks onwards for baby leaves. Supplied as a packet of 750 (approx.) seeds ready to sow outdoors from May to August, directly into the soil or container where they are to crop. Harvest from May to October, picking a few leaves from each plant so they will carry on growing. Late sowings will crop into winter if protected by cloches or horticultural fleece.