Rocket

Value for beekeeping

Rocket is a crucifer that grows both wild and cultivated in the Mediterranean and the Middle East and bolts quickly. Its cream to pale yellow flowers with distinct purple veins are visited by honey bees; its nectar and pollen contribution is moderate. Because fields are harvested early as a vegetable, its real value lies in seed plots and in plants left to flower in gardens.

Flowering

It flowers in April-May in coastal regions and in June in cooler places. With summer sowing, hot and long days speed up flowering; autumn sowings bolt in spring.

Honey and pollen

It is not known as a separate honey; it makes a small contribution to spring multifloral honeys. In India and Pakistan, taramira fields (the same species) grown for oil are worked by beekeepers.

Note for the beekeeper

Leaving a few plants to flower in the garden gives the bees food and gives you your own seed. Rocket is self-incompatible; seed set depends on insect pollination.