Rosemary is a fragrant, evergreen herb with needle-like leaves that offer a robust piney-mint flavor. Perfect for seasoning poultry, roasted vegetables, and breads, it also holds traditional medicinal uses, aiding circulation and relieving headaches. Its aromatic qualities make it popular in shampoos, potpourri, and oils. This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and can be grown in pots or sheltered outdoor spots, making it both functional and ornamental.
Rosemary Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow rosemary seeds outdoors in late spring, after the last frost date, when soil temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rosemary grows slowly from seed and prefers warm weather.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Rosemary thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils and tolerates dry conditions.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and incorporate sand or grit for improved drainage. Rosemary prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly to ensure good contact. Cover with a very thin layer of soil, as rosemary seeds need some light to germinate.
- Space seeds or plants 18-24 inches apart for proper airflow and growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 14-21 days. Once established, rosemary is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start rosemary seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press gently to ensure contact. Cover lightly with soil or sand.
- Mist the soil gently to keep it evenly moist without waterlogging.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 14-21 days, though germination may take longer.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Rosemary
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Rosemary requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water sparingly once plants are established. Rosemary prefers moderately dry soil and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
- Fertilizing: Rosemary does not require heavy fertilization. Enrich the soil with compost before planting, and avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flavor intensity.
- Pruning: Trim rosemary regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody. Harvest sprigs frequently to maintain a compact shape.
- Pest and Disease Control: Rosemary is highly resistant to pests and diseases. Proper spacing ensures good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal issues.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves and Stems: Begin harvesting when the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Snip sprigs as needed, leaving enough foliage for regrowth.
- For Continuous Harvest: Regularly prune stems to encourage new growth.
- Storage: Store fresh rosemary sprigs in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Rosemary can also be dried or frozen for long-term storage in an airtight container.
