London rocket (Sisymbrium irio)
Also known as: London Rocket, Hedge Mustard
London rocket (Sisymbrium irio) is an annual herb that can reach up to 91 cm in height. It features small yellow flowers with four petals. The plant's leaves, seeds, and flowers are all edible. Historically, the Bedouin people have used the leaves as a tobacco substitute.
In This Article
Attributes of London rocket
Lifespan
Annual, Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Spread
15 cm to 23 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow Gold
Images of London rocket
Quickly Identify London rocket
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Erect stems reaching up to 3 feet (91 cm), often with a purple tinge.
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Distinct mustard-like yellow flowers in clusters with visible stamens and pistils.
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Cylindrical pods with red seeds, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, split upon ripening.
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Leaves varied in size and shape, with lobed basal leaves up to 6 inches (15 cm) long.
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Smooth leaf surfaces with pronounced vein patterns aiding identification.
Scientific Classification of London rocket
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Brassicales
Family
Cruciferae
Genus
Hedge mustard
Species
London rocket
Planting and Growing of London rocket
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 3 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-8 hours
Ideal Temperature
60-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
Once a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water London rocket?
When watering Sisymbrium irio, aim to provide around 150ml of water per session. The goal is to moisten the soil evenly, ensuring that it's wet but not waterlogged. Water should seep through the drainage holes, indicating you've given enough without oversaturating.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered London rocket?
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What should I do if my London rocket is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered London rocket?
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How to save an overwatered London rocket?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for London rocket?
Sisymbrium irio thrives in full to partial sun, ideally with 6-8 hours daily. This optimal range supports healthy photosynthesis, resulting in strong, vibrant foliage and sturdy growth.
Best Spot for Sisymbrium irio
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Solutions for Optimal Lighting
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Benefits of Proper Lighting
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for London rocket?
The ideal temperature range for Sisymbrium irio is between 60°F and 75°F. This range supports optimal growth, ensuring that the plant develops strong foliage and remains resilient to common environmental stresses.
What Soil is Best for London rocket?
Sisymbrium irio thrives in well-drained soil, which provides the necessary aeration for the roots, preventing waterlogging and root rot. This feature is essential for the plant's health and vigorous growth. This plant benefits from nutrient-rich soil as it supports its rapid growth and flowering. A good mix of organic matter can enhance the soil's fertility, potentially resulting in more vibrant and healthy plants. The preference for sandy loam texture ensures that Sisymbrium irio has sufficient drainage while retaining adequate moisture and nutrients. This balance is vital for the plant's optimal growth and flowering.
How to Fertilize London rocket?
When fertilizing Sisymbrium irio, it's important to use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For liquid fertilizers, use around 1/4 teaspoon mixed in a gallon of water per application. For solid, granular fertilizers, apply sparingly, about 1 ounce per square yard around the plant. This helps ensure the plant gets a steady nutrient supply without risking root burn.
How to Prune London rocket?
Begin by identifying any dead or diseased branches, as these should be the first to go. Removing them not only improves plant health but also enhances its overall appearance. Trim overgrown stems to maintain a tidy shape and to promote more bushy growth. When cutting, make clean cuts just above a node or a leaf junction to encourage healthy new shoots. Look for areas where branches are too dense and trim some to improve air circulation and light penetration. This also helps prevent diseases that can thrive in overly dense foliage.
How to Propagate London rocket plant?
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Fill the seed trays with a well-draining potting mix, leaving a small gap from the top for watering. Level the surface gently and water the mix until evenly moist but not soggy.
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Scatter the Sisymbrium irio seeds evenly over the surface of the moistened potting mix. Lightly press them into the soil, but do not cover them completely as they need light for germination.
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Place the seed trays in a warm, bright location, ideally with indirect sunlight. Monitor the moisture levels regularly and keep the mix evenly moist. Seeds typically germinate within 1-2 weeks.
How to Repot London rocket plant?
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Sisymbrium irio thrives best when repotted during its active growing seasons, which are spring and autumn. A clear sign that your plant needs repotting is if the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, indicating a confined root system. Also, if the plant’s growth appears stunted or it dries out quickly after watering, it’s likely time to give it a bigger home.
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Choose a pot that's 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Opting for a pot with good drainage ensures excess water won't drown the roots, which helps prevent root rot and promotes healthy growth. A slightly larger container provides ample space for roots to expand, encouraging robust plant development.
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For Sisymbrium irio, it's imperative to use a well-draining potting mix. This type of soil maintains a balance of moisture retention and drainage, ensuring that the plant receives adequate water without the roots being waterlogged. The right soil aids root development and nutrient uptake, further boosting plant vitality.
