Dwarf Rocket (Eruca vesicaria) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, often called rocket or rocket salad. Leaves have a lyrate shape, measuring 12 to 18 cm in length, are dark green in color, and have a smooth surface. The taste of the leaves resembles nutty-mustard due to the high concentration of essential oils; with regular watering, the aroma becomes more delicate and harmonious.
The variety is early-maturing, with a vegetative period of 20–25 days, after which the plant reaches a height of 20–22 cm. It grows back quickly after cutting, making it convenient for multiple harvests of greens throughout the season. It is recommended to grow it both in open and closed ground; the optimal temperature regime is +16…+18 °C, and under good lighting the plant shows maximum productivity.
The yield is 1–2.8 kg/m² (depending on conditions), and up to 1.5 kg of greens can be harvested from one square meter. Leaves are used in fresh salads, pizza, pasta, and as a side dish for meat and fish dishes; flowers add a spice, and seeds are used for the production of mustard and oil. Due to the content of vitamins A, B, C, E, trace elements (iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc), and macroelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium), dwarf rocket is considered beneficial for health and metabolism.
