Rosemary: Learn How To Plant, Grow and Harvest

Planting Rosemary, Growing Rosemary, Harvesting Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary, Planting Rosemary, Growing Rosemary, Harvesting Rosemary, Best Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia rosmarinus,

Native to the dry, rocky areas of the Mediterranean region, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis or Salvia rosmarinus) is a popular aromatic herb commonly grown for its decorative, medicinal, culinary uses, and ornamental garden appeal. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, Rosemary is a rewarding plant to grow outdoors in the garden or indoors in pots.

Symbol of remembrance, concentration, and fidelity, Rosemary has been used since the time of the early Greeks and Romans.

All you need to know about Rosemary

Rosemary is a member of the sage family of flowering plants, Lamiaceae, which includes many other wonderful medicinal and culinary herbs such as basil, thyme, and lavender.
Rosemary is winter hardy only to about 20°F (-6°C) and most cultivars can be grown in Zones 8 to 11, however, some cold-tolerant selections can be successfully grown in hardiness zones 6 or 7 (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Arp’, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Madeline Hill’).

Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub and can live for several years within its hardiness range.
Shrubs vary from low-growing, prostate varieties that do not grow more than 24 in. tall (60 cm) to upright varieties that easily reach 6 ft. high (180 cm).
Rosemary flowers are available in a wide range of colors, including dark blue, light blue, purple, white, and pink. They appear in clusters of two or three along the branches, typically in late spring to early summer, though sporadic additional bloom may occur in summer, fall, or winter, depending on geographic location.
The leaves can be harvested all year round, but the soft new growth has the best flavor. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. Their strong, pungent scent adds flavor to meats (lamb, duck, chicken, sausages), vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, eggplants, zucchini), stuffings, soups, and stews, as well as beverages. The leaves have a rather woody texture and should be finely chopped. Alternatively, you may want to use whole sprigs and remove them just before serving.
Besides its culinary uses, Rosemary also has medicinal properties and contains a wide variety of nutrients that are essential for health. It is popularly consumed as a tea or infused oil. Rosemary can enhance memory and concentration, improve digestion, boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. This aromatic herb is usually safe when taken in small doses. Large doses may lead to vomiting, spasms, coma, and pulmonary edema.
Rosemary performs best in full sun in well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Rosemary adds a Mediterranean touch and refreshing resinous scent to flower borders, city gardens, coastal 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. Prostrate Rosemary is great for hanging baskets. In cold climates, the plants can be grown indoors.
Rosemary attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects to the garden. It is not generally a plant that deer or rabbits seek out to eat, but if other food sources are scarce, they may come along and make a meal out of your Rosemary.
Rosemary tends to be trouble-free if grown in the right conditions. Root rot (plants are overwatered) and powdery mildew (high humidity and poor air circulation) may occur. Keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites on indoor plants.

Guide Information

Hardiness	8 - 11
Heat Zones	8 - 12
Climate Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type	Herbs, Perennials, Shrubs
Genus	Rosmarinus
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Low, Average
Soil Type	Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH	Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage	Well-Drained
Characteristics	Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance	Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts	Bees, Butterflies
Landscaping Ideas	Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Benenden Blue’ (Rosemary)

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Roseus’ (Rosemary)

Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus Group (Creeping Rosemary)

When to Plant Rosemary

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 to Plant Rosemary

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 to Plant Rosemary

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.

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Barbecue’ (Rosemary)

Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Spice Island’ (Rosemary)

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)

Caring for Rosemary

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 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 baking soda solution (1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 quart water) to control and prevent further infection.
If your plant is grown indoors, keep an eye out for spider mites, white flies, and mealybugs.

Islavicek, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.