About Rosemary
The Rosemary plant is a perennial evergreen shrub that is native to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The genus name Rosemary comes from the Latin words ros and marinus, which mean “dew of the sea.” Rosemary has been used since the time of the early Greeks and Romans, and has since spread far and wide. It is now a common spice in many kitchens.
Rosemary is a herb that can be identified by its slim, needle-like leaves that grow on upright, woody stems. While it is often grown for its culinary uses, the shrub is attractive enough to include in a flower garden as well. During its second growing season, rosemary produces small light blue, pink, purple, or white flowers in late spring and early summer.
Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary enjoys warm, humid conditions. Left to its own devices, rosemary can grow quite vigorously, so it needs to be pruned regularly.
If you live in USDA zone 8 or higher, rosemary can be left outdoors and grown as a perennial. However, cooler zones should keep their rosemary in a pot and bring them indoors when the weather gets too cold.
Rosemary Varieties
Different types of rosemary plants have different shapes. Some grow upright like a bush, while others grow horizontally close to the ground and are often used as decoration around the base of larger plants. Most varieties of rosemary plants can withstand cold temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit and still remain alive. The exceptions to this are the Arp, Hill Hardy, and Salem types, which can survive in even colder climates.
- Arp Rosemary is an upright sturdy shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It is more cold-hardy than other varieties, able to tolerate temperatures down to -10?F, and may survive winters in zones 6.
- Hill Hardy Rosemary, also called Madalene Hill is the second most cold-hardy variety and produces dense, bright green foliage, and can grow 5 feet tall and as wide. Hardy to temperatures around 0?F, and may tolerate winters in zones 7.
- Salem Rosemary, also called Bushy Blue, has an upright growth that can reach about 3 feet tall and wide. The blossoms are a deep blue-violet color. Unlike other varieties, Salem is fairly tolerant of wet soil making it ideal for high humidity growing locations, as well as growing in containers. It is hardy to temperatures around 5?F and can survive winters in zones 7.
- Tuscan Blue Rosemary has a rapid, upright growth that can reach 6 feet tall. The leaves are wider than other varieties, the stems have a red tinge, and the plants produce and had deep blue flowers. Tuscan Blue is hardy to 15?F.
- Prostratus Rosemary has a low growing, spreading growth habit and will reach about 2 feet high and wide. When growing in a container, the branches will drape and trail around the pot. Prostratus is ideal for slopes, rock gardens, or growing in containers.
How to Grow Rosemary
Rosemary is a versatile herb that can be grown in the ground or in plant pots. The plant is winter hardy, and can survive temperatures as low as 20?F and regrow in the springtime with little human intervention. I recommend growing rosemary in the ground if you live in a growing zone 8 or above.
However, rosemary plants may not survive the cold winters in zones 7 and below. For these zones, you can either grow rosemary as an annual or in a container that you can bring indoors to overwinter.
If you’re in a hurry to plant rosemary, your local garden nursery is sure to have rosemary seedlings that can be transplanted right away.
The best way to enjoy rosemary harvests is to plant seedlings, but you can also start rosemary from seed or propagating from stem cuttings. Here are tips for growing rosemary.
Garden Site Selection and Preparation
You should grow rosemary in an area of the garden that gets a lot of sun and has well-draining soil. Rosemary grows best in soil with a pH that is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
Plant your rosemary in an area that gets a lot of sunlight. The plant thrives in sunny areas and needs at least 8 hours of sunlight each day. Don’t put the plant in a shady spot, like next to a tall tree.
A healthy rosemary plant requires well-draining soil to prevent the roots from rotting due to trapped moisture. Rosemary plants prefer evenly moist soil, but not waterlogged.
If you want to grow rosemary, it’s important to pick a spot for it that will give it enough room to spread out. Some varieties can get quite big, especially in warm climates – up to 4 feet tall and wide.
Transplanting Seedlings
The best time to transplant seedlings you purchased from a nursery is after your last frost date. To make sure they are ready, harden them off before planting. Choose a cloudy day to transplant them. The wind can damage them, so transplant them in the late afternoon or evening.
Dig a hole deep enough to contain the root ball at the same level as the original container. Add about 4-inches of finished compost and mix into the soil. Squeeze the container around the edges, remove the plant, and loosen the roots at the bottom. Center the plant in the hole, and then gently firm in with the soil. Water well, and keep moderately moist until the plant becomes established.
Growing Rosemary in Containers
The ideal potting mix for rosemary plants contains a combination of potting soil, coarse horticultural sand, and either perlite or pumice. This mixture allows for good drainage while still providing nutrients and supporting the plant. If you are growing rosemary in a pot, be sure to choose a potting mix that meets these requirements or mix your own.
Choose a potting mix for your rosemary that has good drainage to avoid root rot.
Pots made of clay or terracotta are good for growing rosemary because they are porous and will help the potting soil dry out more evenly in between watering. Choose a container that will leave 2 inches or more between the root ball, sides, and bottom. There should be enough holes in the bottom of your pot so that extra water can drain out. Drill more holes if needed.
To pot a rosemary plant: 1. Fill the bottom of the container with potting mix. 2. Remove the rosemary from the pot, and loosen the roots at the bottom. 3. Center the plant into the new pot, and fill the sides with potting mix. 4. Water well, and place the plant in an area out of the direct sun for a few days so it can adjust to the new environment.
Your plant will need to be repotted every year to ensure comfortable growth. The best time for repotting is at the beginning of the growing season, during spring. Move your rosemary slowly to a pot that is one size bigger.
How Long Does it Take to Grow Rosemary?
Rosemary can take a long time to grow. It is a good idea to plant it in the spring so it has time to mature before the next growing season.
Your rosemary plant will grow slowly during its first year, but its growth will speed up during its second year. If you plant it in the spring of this year, you can expect to have a garden full of rosemary stems next year.
What are the Ideal Containers to Grow Rosemary in?
When you’re choosing a container to grow your rosemary in, make sure it has good drainage. A well-draining pot and well-draining soil are key to keeping your plant healthy and avoiding root rot. Look for a container that’s at least 12 inches in diameter and 6-8 inches deep.
Rosemary Growing Conditions & How to Care
Rosemary should be grown in a bright, sunny location, kept watered but not soggy, and routinely pruned to guide their growth.
Ideal Soil for Growing Rosemary
Use a mix of all-purpose potting soil and sharp sand for the best results when growing rosemary. A cactus potting mix will also work well. The ideal soil pH for these herbs is 6-7. You won’t need to fertilize your rosemary plants after they’re initially planted, but you can give them a little boost in the spring by using a 5-10-5 fertilizer.
The Ideal Rosemary Growing Temperature
Although rosemary plants arefond of temperatues of 65-85°F, they can survive in a range of temperatures and high humidity levels. However, they are not tolerant of temperatures below 40-50°F. If you want to keep your rosemary plant healthy for many years, make sure that the soil temperature is always above 65°F.
How Much Sun Does Rosemary Need?
Rosemary will need approximately 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you are growing your plants indoors, make sure to place your container near a sunny, south-facing window to get the most sunlight possible.
Rosemary Watering Needs
It is best to be cautious when watering rosemary so you don’t overwater it. Rosemary prefers a dry environment, so overwatering can damage the plant.
For young plants, water them when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. For mature plants, water them with a good soak once every two weeks. When your plants are indoors or potted in a container, make sure the container has good drainage. Additionally, don’t soak your potted rosemary; it will prefer to keep its soil dry indoors.
Pest Prevention
If you notice that your indoor rosemary plant is wilting or drying up, this may be due to infestation by red spider mites, aphids, spittlebugs, or whiteflies. These pests feed on the plant’s nutrients, causing the plant to weakened and die. Check your plants regularly for pests, and treat them with organic insecticidal soap if necessary.
Diseases such as root rot, powdery mildew, and mold are all caused by too much moisture and poor air circulation in your environment. You can resolve circulation issues by running a fan in the rooms where your plants are growing.
Grow Pro Rosemary Growing Hacks & Tips
- In the spring, prune dead wood out of your rosemary plants to make room for fresh, new growth.
- When transplanting, be sure not to let the soil become too soggy; this will cause root rot. Instead, what you can do is place your pot over a tray of gravel. This will provide an extra layer of drainage for the plants.
- Be sure to re-pot as your rosemary continues to grow larger, and the roots fill the container. Rosemary that is growing in a container can reach up to 1-3 feet tall.
- Pruning rosemary frequently is important for keeping fresh growth coming in. Prune the plant after it flowers in order to keep it compact.
- It’s important to acclimate your plants to their new climate if you are bringing them indoors from an outdoor garden. While the temperatures still permit, be sure to keep your plants in their container outside during the day and bring them in at night to help them adjust.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and then water thoroughly – water until you can see the water begin to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
- You can run a fan to improve air circulation around your rosemary plants.
Best Companion Plants for Rosemary
When it comes to companion planting, rosemary is a great choice. Rosemary’s strong aroma wards away many pests, and it also attracts helpful pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
Some good plants to grow near rosemary are beans, broccoli, hot peppers, cabbage, and sage. You should avoid planting other herbs near rosemary, with the exception of sage.
Getting Settled
When you are growing your rosemary from transplants, it is important to keep the plants well watered, but not soggy. Allowing your plant to gradually get used to its new environment is key, so give them an extra week of love and attention.
It’s Time To Harvest
In order to harvest your rosemary, you must wait until new growth appears, which is typically about 6 weeks after planting the rosemary. When you go to harvest the rosemary, be sure not to damage the plant by taking any parts that look woody. Harvesting rosemary regularly is actually very beneficial for the plant’s growth; if you harvest the rosemary once a week, it will flourish for years. The best tasting rosemary will come from young stems.
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