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Full grown rosemary plant


How to Grow Rosemary Plants

The Mediterranean herb, rosemary, requires attention to soil and water conditions. In warmest areas, it grows into a large evergreen shrub.

Rosemary is a woody-stemmed plant with needle-like leaves that can commonly reach 3 feet in height, eventually stretching to 5 feet in warmer climates unless clipped. In zone 8 and farther south, rosemary bushes make a good evergreen hedge. In zone 7 and colder, try growing rosemary in a container you can bring inside in cold weather. You can even train rosemary into topiary shapes. Plants are tolerant of salt spray, making them a good choice for pots on the beach.

With the right soil and water conditions, rosemary can grow into a large evergreen hedge in warm areas. Placed along a path or border, it wafts a soothing minty aroma to those who pass by.

Quick Guide to Growing Rosemary

Soil, Planting, and Care

Set out rosemary in spring, planting starter plants 2 to 3 feet apart; you can also plant in fall in zone 8 and south. Choose strong, vigorous Bonnie Plants® rosemary to get your garden off to a great start—after all, Bonnie has spent over a century helping home gardeners successfully grow their own food. Plants are slow growing at first, but pick up speed in their second year.

Rosemary prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Improve your existing soil by adding a few inches of aged compost-enriched Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose In-Ground Soil and mixing it in with the top layer. Potted rosemary needs a lighter-weight soil mix, so fill containers with Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose Container Mix instead. Keep the soil uniformly moist, allowing it to dry out between waterings. Mulch your plants to keep roots moist in summer and insulated in winter, but take care to keep mulch away from the crown of the plant. In the spring, prune dead wood out of the plants.

For best growth, it's not enough just to start with rich, nutritious soil. You'll also want to feed rosemary regularly throughout the season with a plant food that feeds both your plants and the soil, like Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® Edibles Plant Nutrition (following the directions on the label).

Troubleshooting

Whiteflies, spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can all bother rosemary, as can powdery mildew and root rot, particularly in humid regions. To prevent mildew and rot, be sure your plants enjoy good drainage and air circulation. In zone 7 and northward, extreme cold will kill the tops of the rosemary plant. In areas where it is likely to be hurt by winter, plant in a protected spot such as one near a south-facing masonry wall and away from the prevailing winter wind; also mulch to protect the roots. In zone 8 and farther south, rosemary needs no winter protection.

Harvest and Storage

Cut stems at any time for fresh rosemary. To dry rosemary, use a rack or hang it upside down in bunches to dry. Once stems are dry, strip the leaves from them. You can also freeze rosemary sprigs, preserve them in vinegar, or use them to flavour oil or butter.

Uses

While rosemary blends well with other herbs, use it lightly on its own in lamb, pork, chicken, and veal dishes, as well as in soups and stews, vegetables, and sauces. Rosemary provides a wonderful flavour in breads and makes a good marinade with olive oil, wine, and garlic. Rosemary's aromatic qualities also enhance a bath, bouquet, wreath, or sachet.

When cutting rosemary, cut into the tender stems instead of the woody lower branches.Rosemary, olive oil, and a dash of sea salt make the perfect simple dip for fresh bread.

FAQs

Will rosemary grow with the other herbs in my herb garden?

Unlike most herbs that live for only one season, rosemary is an evergreen shrub in zone 8 and farther south. For that reason, you should choose a location where it can continue to grow for years to come. It thrives in a sunny, well-drained location where it will reach up to 3 feet tall and wide. You can place it near the gate to your vegetable garden or as part of your home landscape. Because it is so fragrant when touched, it is a nice addition near a sidewalk or porch.

What is rosemary's temperature tolerance?

Our rosemary is dependably hardy in USDA zone 8 and southward, which means in areas in which the temperature does not go below 10 to 15 degrees. If you live in zone 7, plant in a protected location, such as near a south-facing masonry wall, to provide added warmth on cold nights.

Can I trim rosemary anytime, or is there a recommended time?

As with any culinary herb, you should cut fresh, flavorful foliage whenever you need it. Plants do well with a heavy pruning anytime from early spring to midsummer. Try not to cut into stems that are dark and woody; these are less likely to sprout new growth than the younger wood. Remember that rosemary will never have a perfectly round silhouette, because it is the nature of the plant to have upright stems. However, the overall habit of the plant can be thicker with pruning to encourage branching.

I grew rosemary in a large pot and left it out over the winter. Should I cut the plant back or wait for new growth?

Early spring before growth begins is a good time to prune any evergreen, and that includes rosemary. Remove any dead, leafless stems first, and then prune to improve the shape of the plant. Avoid cutting stems that are very old, as they may not sprout new shoots are readily as younger stems. However, if your plant is nicely shaped and you are happy for it to continue growing larger, remember that pruning is not a necessity. Note: when rosemary is grown in a container, do not let it dry to the point of wilting. It may not recover.

Cool Season Gardening Harvesting Herbs Holidays Rosemary

How to Grow Rosemary: Planting, Cuttings, & Care

The rosemary plant (Salvia rosmarinus) is a fragrant herb that grows as a perennial rounded evergreen shrub. It features slender, needle-like, gray-green leaves on erect woody stems. And it produces clusters of small, light blue to white flowers typically in the late spring to early summer, though it can bloom at other points of the year as well. Plant rosemary in the spring after any threat of frost has passed. You can grow rosemary indoors, too, though it will grow quite large. The shrub has a moderate growth rate and spreads when planted.

Common Name Rosemary
Botanical Name Salvia rosmarinus
Family Lamiaceae
Plant Type Herb, perennial
Size 2–6 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
Sun Exposure Full sun
Soil Type Sandy, loamy, well-drained
Soil pH Acidic, neutral
Bloom Time Spring, summer
Hardiness Zones 8–10 (USDA)
Native Area Mediterranean

Watch Now: How to Grow and Care for Rosemary

How to Plant Rosemary

When to Plant

Rosemary is best planted in the spring once the weather has warmed and there’s no frost in the forecast. Containers indoors generally can be started at any time of year.

Selecting a Planting Site

Rosemary grows best in a sunny spot that has soil with sharp drainage. Make sure no taller trees or shrubs in the area are so close that they will shade the rosemary. Rosemary also grows well in containers both outdoors and indoors, as long as it can get enough light.

Spacing, Depth, and Support

Space rosemary shrubs at least 2 to 3 feet apart. Plant seedlings and nursery plants at the same depth at which they were growing in their previous container. Seeds should be just barely covered with soil when planting. A support structure is typically not necessary for this shrub.

Rosemary Plant Care

Light

Rosemary likes full sun and does not tolerate shade. This means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. A south-facing window is ideal for indoor growth, and grow lights are often necessary to provide supplemental light. Bring indoor plants outside in warm weather to allow them access to natural sunlight. Inadequate light can cause leggy and weak growth.

Soil

A well-draining sandy or loamy soil is best for rosemary. It doesn’t grow well in heavy clay and wet soils. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal (6.0 to 7.0).

Water

Rosemary shrubs have good drought tolerance once they are mature, and it’s better to underwater rather than overwater them. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, and then water so that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.

Temperature and Humidity

This shrub likes warm weather and moderate humidity levels. Most rosemary varieties can’t survive temperatures below 30 degrees, but they have good heat tolerance. They prefer temperatures between 55 degrees and 80 degrees. Moreover, high humidity can lead to rot and fungal issues, especially if there isn’t enough air circulation around the plant.

Fertilizer

Rosemary is not a heavy feeder. Mixing compost into the soil at the time of planting can help to give the shrub a healthy start. Then, using a balanced liquid fertilizer, following label instructions, will continue to promote quality growth.

Pollination

Rosemary shrubs self-pollinate and attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. Bring indoor plants outdoors in warm weather when their flowers are open to allow the blooms to naturally pollinate. 

Leticia Almeida / The Spruce 

The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

Leticia Almeida / The Spruce

The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

Types of Rosemary

There are several types of rosemary to grow, including:

Rosemary vs. Lavender

Rosemary and lavender are similar in appearance. Both are shrublike with woody stems, and they feature aromatic leaves that are long and thin. However, rosemary plants generally grow larger than lavender. Rosemary blooms form among the foliage while lavender blooms rise above the foliage on flower spikes. And lavender has a lighter and more floral taste and aroma than rosemary.

Harvesting Rosemary

Rosemary can be harvested at almost any time of year, though spring and summer are when it grows most actively. And the leaves are most flavorful and aromatic just before the plant blooms. To harvest, use pruners to cut off 4- to 6-inch stem tips.

Use fresh rosemary sprigs or leaves in cooking as you like. Or hang the stems upside-down in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area for drying, which should take a couple of weeks. Once the stems are dry, strip off the leaves and keep them in an airtight container in a pantry.

How to Grow Rosemary in Pots

Growing rosemary in pots allows you to bring it indoors during cold weather. You also can keep containers on a patio or deck near your kitchen for easy access while cooking. Select a pot that’s slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Make sure it has drainage holes. An unglazed clay container is best to allow excess soil moisture to evaporate through its walls. 

Pruning

Prune rosemary as necessary to shape its growth after the plant is done flowering. Rosemary responds well to pruning and can be trained into topiary shapes. But don’t prune off more than a third of the plant at a time, as this can stress the shrub and leave it vulnerable to diseases and pests. 

How to Grow Rosemary From Cuttings

If you would like to propagate your own rosemary plant, the best option is to start with a cutting. Not only is this an inexpensive way to get a new plant but taking cuttings from a mature plant can help to promote more branching and bushier growth. The best time to take a cutting is in the spring or summer. Here's how:

  1. Cut a piece of healthy stem that’s a few inches long. Choose new softwood growth for best results.
  2. Remove the leaves on the lower portion of the stem, leaving at least five leaves. 
  3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant the cutting in a moist soilless potting mix in a small container that has drainage holes.
  5. Place the container in a warm spot that has bright, indirect light. Mist the cutting daily, and make sure the growing medium doesn’t dry out.
  6. In about two to three weeks, gently tug on the stem to check for roots. If you feel resistance, you’ll know roots have developed. After that, the cutting is ready for transplanting.

How to Grow Rosemary From Seed

Growing rosemary from seeds can be difficult because they don't germinate easily and they often do not grow true to their parent plant. If you wish to try growing rosemary from seed, plant several more seeds than the number of plants you hope to grow. Start seeds around three months prior to your area’s projected last frost date in the spring. Take these steps:

  1. Scatter the seeds in a tray filled with moist seed-starting mix, just lightly covering them with the mix.
  2. Cover the tray with plastic wrap to trap moisture, and make sure the mix doesn’t dry out.
  3. Place the tray on a heat mat to keep the soil between 80 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. As soon as seedlings appear, remove the plastic wrap, and place the tray in bright light.
  5. Once seedlings are around 3 inches high, move them to individual pots or outdoors if the weather is warm.

Potting and Repotting Rosemary

Use a light, well-draining potting mix when growing rosemary in a container. Plan to repot every year into one container size up, using fresh potting mix. The best time to repot is in the spring. Gently loosen the plant from its previous container, and situate it at the same depth in the new one, filling around it with soil.  

Overwintering

Bring rosemary indoors well before any frost is predicted in the fall forecast. Keep it in a warm room and away from any drafts or drying air from heat vents. Continue providing it with at least six hours of sunlight per day via a bright window and/or grow light. And slightly back off on watering, though don’t allow the soil to fully dry out. Once frost is out of the forecast in the spring, the plant can go back outside.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

High humidity and poor air circulation can result in powdery mildew—a white, powdery fungus—on rosemary plants. Powdery mildew typically won't kill a plant, but the disease will weaken it. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant's soil isn't too wet, and provide a few feet of space around it for airflow.

Also, be on the lookout for aphids and spider mites, especially on indoor plants. Use an insecticidal soap as soon as you spot an infestation to prevent it from spreading.

growing tips: care, planting and transplanting, fertilizers and soil Peter Pete, watering, pruning, diseases and pests

Rosemary officinalis (ordinary, wedding flower, dike, bride's dress, incense grass) - evergreen fragrant subshrub of the Lamiaceae family native to the Mediterranean, Western Europe, Turkey and North Africa, reaching a height of up to 2 m. The literal translation of the name of the plant from Latin is “sea dew”: according to legend, a few drops of sea moisture fell on rosemary from Aphrodite emerging from the waves of the sea, and the passion-ridden plant turned bluish and took on a strong camphor smell. nine0005

The themes of love, eternal youth and devotion associated with rosemary have run like a red thread through the cultures of many peoples. So, the ancient Greeks and Romans attributed to rosemary an increase in vitality, an improvement in memory and potency; in medieval Europe, the plant was considered a symbol of marital fidelity and at the same time, oddly enough, the eternal memory of the dead; in the late Middle Ages, an unknown perfumer created the famous "Water of the Hungarian Queen", thanks to which a certain 72-year-old representative of the Hungarian ruling dynasty charmed youngsters indiscriminately and actively replenished financial assets at the expense of the older wealthy population. nine0005

Rosemary is rich in trace elements, borneol, essential oils, camphor, cineole, plant resins, tannins and acids. It has an aroma somewhat reminiscent of the smell of pine, its leaves have a pronounced bitter taste, so you need to use this spice in a dosed and correct way. Rosemary is suitable for roast lamb, pork, goose, duck and fish. The famous French vegetable stew "Ratatouille" also includes this classic spice. Often, to give an exciting aroma to dishes cooked on an open fire, smoldering coals are sprinkled with leaves and sprigs of rosemary. In combination with other spices and components, rosemary can not only shade, but unusually change the taste of seemingly thoroughly familiar dishes: for example, a perfect combination of eucalyptus, bay leaf and rosemary; rosemary is perfectly complemented by garlic, capers and lemon zest - in general, a whole field for your culinary experiments. nine0005

Rosemary is a good immune stimulant and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, tonic, wound healing and choleretic properties. Rosemary is contraindicated in pregnant women, young children, as well as people with hypersensitivity of the skin, suffering from epilepsy, convulsions and hypertension.

In general, this odorous southerner is unpretentious in care, but, like any individual, requires a special approach, “promising” in return medicinal help and unbroken taste sensations, so go for it! nine0005

Recommended cultivars

Growing equipment: planting container 15 cm deep; clay, ceramic or terracotta pots Ø35 cm and 40 cm high with a drainage layer of 15% of the volume (for example, expanded clay PETER PEAT of the VITA line) and holes at the bottom; drip tray for excess water; picking peat pots 7x10 cm; small scoops and rakes; phytolamp; prepared nutrient soil. nine0005

Seed preparation

If you decide to grow rosemary from seed, the best time to do so is early March. It is best to purchase encrusted rosemary seeds ready for planting in advance from a trusted outlet / nursery, but you can also get hold of seeds from friends and prepare them for planting in advance:

Growing seedlings

Rosemary loves light loose soil of neutral acidity Fill the planting container with light, loose, moisture-absorbing soil of neutral acidity, at least 8 cm thick, options:

Sprinkle the soil with warm (+28°C) water, then make 0.3-0.5 cm indentations in the soil with the tip of a pencil, spacing 10 cm between rows, in a checkerboard pattern. Dip 2-3 seeds into each recess and carefully sprinkle with soil. Cover the container with rosemary seeds with transparent glass / film and keep it in a room with a temperature of + 18-22 ° C, preferably under a phytolamp (at least 12 hours a day, at a height of 90 cm from the container) - in 12-14 days the first shoots will appear. All this time, the soil with seeds must be sprayed with warm water from a spray bottle, without overflowing, i.e. the top layer of soil should be only slightly damp. Once a week, it is allowed to feed the seedlings with PETER PEAT liquid humic fertilizer "Living Force: Healthy Seedlings", it is also necessary to air rosemary seedlings 3-4 times a day for 20 minutes.

Seedling picking

After the appearance of 3-4 first leaves on rosemary sprouts, pick the young seedlings either into individual 7x10 cm peat pots (when they reach a height of 8-10 cm, transplant them to the final places of growth), filled with soil PETER PEAT Microparnik "HOBBY line, or directly into "adult" pots 35x40 cm. When picking, try not to damage the tender roots: take them out along with adjacent clods of soil and plant them in new containers. Temperature - not lower than + 24 ° С, phytolamp - 12-13 hours a day, otherwise rosemary will grow and develop poorly. 10 days after picking, feed the plants with liquid humic fertilizer PETER PEAT "Living Force: Healthy Seedlings", and after another 2 weeks - complex mineral fertilizer PETER PEAT "NPK 15-15-15" of the MINERAL line. nine0005

Care

Propagation by dividing the bush

The easiest way to propagate rosemary is by dividing the bush. In March, carefully remove the rosemary bush, previously spilled with warm water, along with a clod of earth from the pot. Secateurs, trying to disturb the lump as little as possible, separate the parts and immediately plant them in new pots.

Propagation by cuttings

Most commonly propagated by cuttings of annual shoots. The best time for harvesting them is September-October. Bark-covered and peeled bottom cuttings 10 cm long with 3-4 internodes immediately plant in a prepared container, deepening them by 3-4 cm at an angle of 45 °. For a week, it is a good idea to cover the rosemary cuttings with a transparent film / plastic bottle with small holes for ventilation. Rooting with this method will be 60-80%. With a feeding area of ​​10x10 cm per seedling and good care, standard future rosemary bushes are grown throughout the year. nine0005

But you can first dip them into glasses with a solution of liquid PETER PEAT humic fertilizer "Living force: for soaking seeds", while the place of residence should be illuminated, but without direct sunlight. It is important to maintain a temperature of + 22-24 ° C all the time, spray and water the plantings with warm settled water and once a week feed with liquid humic fertilizer PETER PEAT "Living Force: Healthy Seedlings". After 3 weeks, roots will appear, then rosemary cuttings can be transplanted into separate pots with nutrient soil PETER PEAT "Microparnik" of the HOBBY line. Carry out cuttings at the end of June. nine0005

Harvesting and storage

Since the highest concentration of essential oils in rosemary is observed during its flowering period, at this time prepare dry spices for the winter. It is advisable to cut only young shoots. The twigs can simply be tied together with string and hung to dry in a shady spot. Store dried seasoning in glass jars or canvas bags - this way it will retain its aroma and beneficial properties for 3 years.

Fresh rosemary leaves give a stronger and brighter aroma, and this spice does not lose its aroma during long cooking, it can be added at the beginning of cooking, and then removed before serving, however, calculating the dosage, otherwise the bitterness of rosemary can spoil the dish. nine0005

Diseases and pests

Attention! After treatment with insecticides and other chemicals, rosemary leaves cannot be used, you need to wait for new ones. nine0004

EDIBLE HOME

EDIBLE HOME. ROSEMARY.

An original spice, a cure for many ailments, an air purifier and just a beautiful ornamental bush with delicate flowers - this is rosemary, the cultivation of which at home has always been very popular. The main feature of this Mediterranean plant is that its greenery, like needles, releases phytoncides that destroy pathogenic bacteria and purify the air. Cooks use it as a seasoning for meat, sauces, desserts. Despite the fact that the plant is quite whimsical, if you create the right conditions, you can grow rosemary on the windowsill at any time of the year. nine0102

If the conditions of keeping and caring for the plant do not meet the requirements, it degenerates or stretches too much. Of the several types of rosemary, only the medicinal variety (fragrant) is suitable for growing in an apartment. The ideal place for the culture to grow is a winter garden, but at home it can be grown in a container or flower pot.

If you decide to plant spices in your apartment, choose a bright room for this - light plays a big role in crown formation. Rosemary in a pot can grow excessively and eventually turn into a real tree. To grow a compact and healthy plant, it needs to be repotted every 1-2 years, while removing single roots and shoots. Before transplanting the bush, it is necessary to completely replace the soil in the pot and apply a little potash fertilizer. nine0005

Rosemary is very sensitive to humidity. Sometimes it happens that at room conditions the plant begins to hurt: a spider mite or a white coating appears on it. The appearance of a tick indicates that the air in the room is too dry. To prevent the appearance of pests, rosemary should be periodically taken out to fresh air, and regularly sprayed greens. In case of significant damage, insecticide treatment is carried out.

Rosemary loves warmth and light. For the normal growth of an adult plant at home, it is necessary to maintain a temperature in the range of 15-25 ° C, and avoid sudden changes in temperature. If the plant is placed on the windowsill, the window should be opened as little as possible, or the pot should be removed for the time of airing, as a sharp change in temperature can lead to leaf fall. nine0005

Although rosemary is a thermophilic plant, it easily tolerates low temperatures. In autumn, the spice can be grown on the balcony, but the temperature should not be lower than 12 ° C. However, a lower degree will also not harm the plant, but on the contrary, it will activate flowering and shoot growth. Paradoxical as it sounds, but in order to make the shrub bloom at home, it must be placed in a cool room for a while.

Light is extremely important for rosemary. It belongs to those plants that feel more comfortable in direct sunlight than in partial shade. In winter, it is better to put a pot of spice on the windowsill of a south-facing window. In summer, the bush should be taken out to the balcony or veranda, as he loves fresh air no less than light and warmth. nine0005

To grow rosemary at home in winter, you need additional lighting at least once a day. Experienced gardeners say that the intensity of the aroma of rosemary directly depends on the light: the more light hits the plant, the more fragrant its aroma. The main care for rosemary is timely and regular watering. Moreover, it is very important to determine the measure, or the line between waterlogging and drying out of the soil.

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