Flower rockets, also known as snapdragons, are a fun and colorful flower to add to any garden. These tall spiky plants produce flowers that resemble rocket ships giving them their unique common name. Growing flower rockets is easy and rewarding. With just a little care and preparation you can have a beautiful display of these fun flowers in your yard.
When to Plant Flower Rockets
Flower rockets are a cool weather crop. They thrive when planted in early spring or fall in most climates. Plant them 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring. For fall planting get them in the ground 8-10 weeks before the first expected frost. They can tolerate light frosts but not prolonged freezing weather.
The ideal soil temperature for planting flower rocket seeds is 60-70°F. Their seeds will germinate in about 7-10 days in moist soil at these temperatures. Cooler soils will delay germination. If planting indoors, make sure to harden off seedlings before transplanting them outside.
Choosing a Location to Plant Flower Rockets
When choosing where to plant your flower rockets, full sun is best. They will tolerate partial shade but may not grow as tall or produce as many blooms.
Select a spot with nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to ensure good drainage. The soil pH should be between 6.0-7.0 for best growth and blooms.
Give flower rockets ample room to reach their mature size. Space the plants 12-15 inches apart in rows set 18-24 inches apart. Wide spacing allows for good air circulation, which is important for avoiding disease issues.
How to Plant Flower Rocket Seeds
Flower rockets can be started from seed planted directly in the garden or by transplanting started seedlings:
To plant seeds directly outdoors – Prepare your garden bed and rake the soil smooth. Dig a trench 1/4-1/2 inch deep the length of the row. Sow the seeds evenly in the trench then cover lightly with soil. Gently water to settle the soil and keep moist until sprouted. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
To transplant seedlings – Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Use sterile seed starting mix and plant 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil evenly moist while germinating at 65-75°F. When seedlings reach 3 inches, harden off and transplant into the garden 12-15 inches apart after all danger of frost has passed. Water transplants well.
Caring for Flower Rockets
Flower rockets thrive with minimal care. Here are some tips for growing healthy, prolific plants:
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Water flower rockets 1-2 inches per week. Avoid wet foliage to discourage disease. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer when planting and again halfway through the growing season. Compost tea or fish emulsion also feeds plants well.
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Install stakes as plants grow tall to provide support in windy conditions. Tie stems loosely to stakes.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flower production. Cut back each stem by one third after first flush of blooms fades.
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Watch for aphids, whiteflies and powdery mildew, and treat promptly to avoid spread. Maintaining good air flow helps prevent disease.
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Mulch plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Leave space around stem bases for air circulation.
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Cut back flower rocket plants to 2-3 inches after first hard frost in fall. Mulch for winter protection in cold climates.
How to Harvest Flower Rockets
One of the best parts of growing flower rockets is enjoying them as cut flowers. Here are some tips:
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Harvest flower spikes when at least half the florets are open. Use sharp pruners or scissors for clean cuts.
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Make your cut at an angle above leaf nodes to encourage more blooms.
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Place freshly cut stems immediately in clean water. Recut under water to prevent air embolisms.
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Remove lower leaves that would sit under water to discourage bacterial growth.
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Display flower rocket bouquets out of direct sunlight and re-cut stems every 2-3 days for longest vase life.
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Floating flower rocket blooms in a shallow bowl of water makes a simple, beautiful centerpiece.
With their tall colorful blooms, flower rockets are a fun addition to any sunny garden space. Just provide rich soil, ample sunlight and consistent moisture for a season of enjoyment from these unique flowers. With proper care, they will self-seed and delight you with flowers year after year.
Quick Facts About Dame’s Rocket
The heavenly clove-like scent will attract lots of bees, butterflies and birds, and in the evening, the breeze picks up the fragrance and floats it in the air giving it another commong name of Sweet Rocket. Dames Rocket is in the mustard family and is edible. The lose clusters of flowers have four petals and the color ranges from white, pink, lilac to deep lilac. Before growing Dames Rocket, check with the local county extension office to make sure it is not considered to be a noxious weed and not legal to plant.
Directly sow Dames Rocket seeds in the spring once the soil can be worked and frost danger has passed. It is fast to establish, but there will be no blooms until the second year of establishment.
Plant Dames Rocket seeds in full sun or partial shade and in soil that is moist but drains well. Dames Rocket does better in cooler summers and is often seen growing along the edge of woods or roadways.
How to Plant Dame’s Rocket
- Weed the soil and work it to a depth of 6 inches
- Add compost to improve soil drainage
- Firm the soil and scatter the Dames Rocket flower seeds over the soil
- Lightly rake the seeds under, but the seed needs light for germination so do not bury it deeply
- Keep the area moist
- The first year will produce leaves and a rosette base from which the plant will grow the second year
- Keep the Dames Rocket plants moist
- Fertilize the plants every few weeks for best results
- Deadhead to keep the plants from liberally self-sowing
DOLLAR TREE FLOWER ROCKET PLANTING
FAQ
How do you plant rocket plants?
Sow rocket outdoors from April to early September, and for a further month under cloches or fleece. Make a short, shallow drill up to 1cm (½in) deep, water along the base, then scatter the seeds thinly along its length. Cover lightly with soil then firm gently.
What to do with rocket when it starts to flower?
Avoid flowered stems: once rocket starts to flower, the stems and leaves can turn a little bitter. While the flowers are their own delicious addition to many dishes, it’s a good idea to let your plants flower in any case as additional food for the insects that frequent your garden.
How do you plant Dame’s Rocket seeds?
Direct sow seeds via broadcast onto the surface of the soil. Compress firmly, but do not cover – Dame’s Rocket requires sunlight to germinate.
How to plant a Flower Rocket?
1. Choose the right location: Select an area with full sunlight and well-draining soil to ensure optimal growth for your flower rocket. Avoid planting in areas with dense shade or compacted soil. 2. Prepare the soil: Prior to planting, loosen the soil and remove any weeds or debris.
Are flower rockets easy to grow?
Flower rockets are a type of annual plant that produce bright, showy blooms in a variety of colors. They are relatively easy to grow and make a great addition to any garden. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about planting flower rockets, from choosing the right location and soil to watering and fertilizing.
How do you plant roll-out rockets?
Water the bed and roll out the mat, patting it down so the bottom of the mat is against the soil. Leave several inches between the edge of the mat and the walkway. Flower and vegetable rockets are even easier to plant, especially when you are container gardening. How do you plant roll-out flowers and rockets?