Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny jumping beetles.
- Look for fuzzy gray growth on the leaf backs.
- Check if the soil is staying too wet for too long.
Likely causes
Flea beetles
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see tiny, round shot holes all over the leaves. If you touch the plant, you might see small beetles jumping away.
What to do: Cover your plants with a lightweight row cover to physically block the beetles. You can also spray the leaves with neem oil every 7 days until the damage stops.
Downy mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: This fungus creates yellow, angular patches on the top of the leaves. You may also see a fuzzy gray growth on the undersides during humid weather.
What to do: Improve air circulation by spacing your plants further apart. Remove and discard any heavily infected leaves immediately to stop the spread.
Find out what's wrong with your wild rocket
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
When to worry
Small holes from beetles are common and usually just cosmetic, but heavy infestations can stunt growth. If the yellow patches cover most of the plant, it is likely too far gone to save.
Stopping it coming back
Keep your garden beds free of debris and ensure your plants have plenty of space for air to move around them.
Keep your wild rocket healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I still eat the leaves if they have holes?
- Yes, you can still eat them. Just wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any insects or debris.
- Will these spots kill my plant?
- Flea beetle damage rarely kills the plant, but severe downy mildew can weaken it significantly. Catching these issues early is the best way to keep your harvest healthy.
More problems with Wild Rocket
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.