Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant and versatile herb prized for its culinary uses, aromatic foliage, and ornamental value in the garden. Whether used to flavor dishes, create herbal teas, or add fragrance to potpourris, growing rosemary at home provides a convenient and rewarding source of this beloved herb.

Preparing for Growing:

• Selecting a planting location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
• Soil preparation: Amend the soil with organic matter and ensure good drainage.
• Purchasing or preparing containers/pots: If growing in containers, choose pots with adequate drainage holes.

Starting from Seeds Indoors:

• Seed preparation: Rosemary seeds have a hard outer coating. Scarify or soak seeds overnight in warm water to improve germination rates.
• Choosing suitable pots/containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Sowing and caring for seeds indoors: Sow seeds thinly on the soil surface, cover lightly with soil, and keep the soil consistently moist. Provide bottom heat to aid germination.

Starting from Seeds Outdoors:

• Soil preparation: Prepare a seedbed with well-draining soil and remove any weeds or debris.
• Selecting appropriate timing and method for outdoor sowing: Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date in your area.
• Caring for seeds outdoors: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which may take several weeks.

Growing in Containers/Pots:

• Selecting suitable plants for containers: Choose compact or dwarf rosemary varieties for containers.
• Container and soil preparation: Use containers with good drainage and fill them with well-draining potting mix.
• Sowing or transplanting plants into containers: Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into containers, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as they were in their original containers.
• Caring for container plants: Place containers in a sunny location, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Transplanting to Garden:

• Soil and planting site preparation: Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun.
• Correct timing and method for transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date, spacing them 12-24 inches apart.
• Post-transplant care: Water newly transplanted seedlings deeply and provide shade for a few days to help them acclimate to outdoor conditions.

Plant Care:

• Watering: Rosemary prefers slightly dry conditions. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing rosemary, as it prefers lean soil. Apply a balanced fertilizer sparingly, if necessary.
• Weeding: Keep the area around rosemary plants free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
• Pest and disease management: Rosemary is relatively pest and disease-resistant but may occasionally suffer from issues like powdery mildew or spider mites. Monitor plants regularly and treat any problems promptly.

Harvesting:

• Determining when plants are ready for harvest: Harvest rosemary sprigs once the plants are well-established, typically after 1-2 years of growth.
• Harvesting and storage guidelines: Cut stems as needed, using sharp pruning shears. Fresh rosemary can be used immediately or dried for later use. Store dried rosemary in airtight containers away from light and heat.

When to Start from Seeds by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones:

• Start rosemary seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area or sow them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Fast Facts:

• Planting depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or scatter them over the soil surface.
• Seed spacing: Thin seedlings to 12-24 inches apart.
• Plant spacing: Space plants 12-24 inches apart.
• Number of seeds per pot/container: Sow several seeds per container and thin to the strongest seedling.
• Water preferences: Rosemary prefers slightly dry conditions and well-draining soil.
• Sun preferences: Full sun.
• Soil type and other important factors: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Companion Planting: Plant rosemary near cabbage, beans, carrots, or sage to repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Temperature Preference: Rosemary prefers warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost.
• Days to Germination: Rosemary seeds may take 14-28 days to germinate.
• Days to Harvest: Harvest rosemary sprigs as needed once the plant is well-established, typically after 1-2 years of growth.