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Planting

When?

• The best time to plant Rosemary in the garden is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
• It can be planted in containers indoors at any time of year.

Where?

• Rosemary performs well in USDA Zones 7-11, depending on cultivars. Not sure about your growing zone? Check here.
• In colder areas, the plant should be kept in a pot and brought indoors for the winter.
• Rosemary is easily grown in full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day). Tolerates light shade, but the best performance is in full sun.
• This aromatic shrub thrives in well-draining sandy or loamy soil. It is intolerant of heavy clay soil or any soil that becomes waterlogged. Standing water and wet areas could encourage root rot.
• Rosemary is tolerant of a range of pH, from moderately acidic to moderately alkaline soil.
• Excellent drainage and air circulation are essential, specifically in hot, humid climates. Rosemary loves hot weather, but does not like humidity and might be affected by fungal disease and rot.
• Rosemary is drought-tolerant once established. However, water regularly during dry summers, especially if your plant is grown in containers.
• Plant it to add a Mediterranean touch and sweet resinous scent to flower borders, city gardens, gravel gardens, cottage gardens, or herb gardens. It can be used as a low hedge or edging to a border. It also grows well in patio containers, as a ground cover, and is often grown as a topiary. Rosemary is excellent for seaside plantings. In cold climates, Rosemary can be grown indoors.
• Rosemary has natural insect-repelling properties and can be used to deter pests in the garden. Rosemary is an excellent companion plant and deters cabbage loopers, carrot flies, Mexican bean beetles, slugs, and snails. Planting rosemary near other plants can help to repel pests and reduce the need for chemical insecticides. 
• Companion plants include beans, beet, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, chives, dahlia, eggplant, lavender, marigold, marjoram, onion, oregano, parsnip, pepper, plum, sweet alyssum, thyme, tomato, sage.
• Find here the list of the best and worst Rosemary companion plants

How?

• Rosemary is best started in the spring from nursery plants or cuttings. It can be grown from seed, but Rosemary seed germinates poorly, and plants do not come true to variety.
• Plant nursery plants and cuttings at the same depth at which they were growing in their previous container.
• Space plants about 2 to 3 feet apart (60-90 cm) apart if growing in groups.
• Water regularly throughout the growing season. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

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Care

Watering

• Water regularly throughout the growing season. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

Fertilizer

• Rosemary does not often need feeding. If your plant is grown in containers or growth is slow, feed it with a balanced fertilizer after it has finished flowering.
• Fertilize lightly, as excess fertilizer reduces flower production and fragrance.

Overwintering

• Provide some protection in cool winter areas. Apply a thick mulch around your plants and cover the branches with sheets of horticultural fleece.
• If grown in containers, bring your Rosemary indoors before the first frost. Keep it in bright light (at least 6 six hours of sunlight per day) and protect it from cold drafts.

Pruning

• Pruning your Rosemary will prevent your shrub from becoming leggy and lanky.
• To keep plants compact, cut back stems after flowering.
• Rosemary responds well to clipping and shaping and makes excellent topiaries.

Harvesting

• The leaves can be used fresh or dried.
• Rosemary can be harvested all year round, but the soft new growth has the best flavor. Avoid harvesting while the plant is blooming. Snip off stems as required.
• Harvest no more than 20% of your plant at any time, allowing the plant to keep an attractive shape.
• To dry Rosemary, hang up sprigs in a warm, dark, well-ventilated place. When completely dry, strip the whole leaves from the stems and store them in airtight containers.
• Fresh flowers can be used as a garnish on salads and desserts.

Pest and Diseases

• Rosemary has very few problems except root rot and powdery mildew.
• Overwatered plants are very prone to root rot (first seen as browning of the leaf tips). When planting in containers, choose a very porous potting mix.
• Regular light trimming allows good aeration of the foliage and prevents powdery mildew and fungal wilts. Spray affected plants with potassium bicarbonate or a 0.5 percent solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 quart water) for control and to prevent further infection.
• If your plant is grown indoors, keep an eye out for spider mites, white flies, and mealybugs.