London Rocket Plant Care
Sisymbrium irio L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Sisymbrium irio, London rocket, is a flowering plant in the cabbage family. Its English common name originated when it flourished after the Great Fire of London in 1666, although it is not native to Britain and it does not tend to persist there.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for London Rocket?
Water London Rocket every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the London Rocket Native To?
What Is the London Rocket?
London Rocket (Sisymbrium irio) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Sisymbrium genus. London Rocket is native to Britain and it does not tend to persist there.
London Rocket displays an upright, branching herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. London Rocket produces small clusters of white or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a London Rocket?
Sisymbrium irio requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the London Rocket Need?
London Rocket thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the London Rocket Prefer?
Sisymbrium irio grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. London Rocket prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a London Rocket?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for London Rocket to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a London Rocket?
Feed London Rocket every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a London Rocket?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a London Rocket?
London Rocket can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tall rocket plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the London Rocket Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list London Rocket, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the London Rocket?
London Rocket is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the London Rocket Need?
London Rocket grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. London Rocket is native to Britain and it does not tend to persist there. In cooler regions, grow London Rocket as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
London Rocket is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Sisymbrium genus — compare its care with other Sisymbrium species on PlantoScan.
Sisymbrium is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
London Rocket thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Sisymbrium irio L., family Brassicaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 659 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list London Rocket, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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