Rosemary Plants

Rosemary plant, in a 3.5" pot

Rosemary is a fragrant and evergreen herb that belongs to the mint family. It’s native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses.

Tips on how to grow Rosemary:

1. Choose the right location: Rosemary thrives in full sun, so select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be well-draining and not too rich in organic matter.

 2. Plant in well-draining soil: Rosemary prefers soil that is well-draining and slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.0-7.5. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage.

3. Space the plants properly: Rosemary plants can grow quite large, so make sure to space them at least 2-3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth. You can also grow your Rosemary in a pot or container. Doing so makes it easy to take your plant inside for the winter, to continue growing it. 

4. Water sparingly: Rosemary is a drought-tolerant herb and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot. If you’re planting your Rosemary in a pot, ensure that the pot has good drainage. 

5. Mulch and weed control: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

6. Prune regularly: Pruning rosemary helps to maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth. Prune the plants in early spring or after flowering by cutting back about one-third of the growth. Avoid cutting into the woody stems, as they may not regrow.

7. Protect from frost: Rosemary is a tender perennial that is sensitive to frost. Here in our Zone 5, Rosemary will not survive the winter outdoors. Consider growing rosemary in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months.

8. Harvesting: You can start harvesting rosemary leaves once the plant is established and has enough growth. Simply snip off the desired amount of leaves from the stems. Regular harvesting will encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy.