How to Grow and Care for Rosemary

Rosemary [1] is characterized by its needle-like, aromatic leaves that are green on the upper surface and gray-green on the lower surface. Rosemary plants produce purple, blue, or pink flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

In addition to its use as a culinary herb, rosemary has been used for centuries for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [2], and is sometimes used to help support digestion and enhance memory and concentration.

Common Name	Rosemary
Botanical Name	Salvia rosmarinus
Family	Lamiaceae
Plant Type	Herb, perennial
Size	2–6 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Soil Type	Sandy, loamy, well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic, neutral
Bloom Time	Spring, summer
Hardiness Zones	8–10 (USDA)
Native Area	Mediterranean

Rosemary is a versatile herb that can be used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. There are many types of rosemary plants, each with its own characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of rosemary:

• Arp: This type of rosemary is cold-hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -10°C. It has an upright growth habit and aromatic needles that are great for cooking.

• Benenden Blue: This type of rosemary has needle-like leaves with golden flecks. It grows upright and can reach 60 cm in height. It produces pale blue flowers in spring.

• Barbeque: This type of rosemary is ideal for cooking, especially for barbequing. It has a strong flavor and aroma, and its stems can be used as skewers for meat or vegetables.

• Blue Boy: This type of rosemary is perfect for small spaces. It only grows a few centimeters tall and has a compact shape. It has small blue flowers and a mild flavor.

• Common: This type of rosemary is one of the most popular and widely used. It grows to 60-120 cm tall and needs dry soil, good drainage, and direct sunlight. It has a classic rosemary flavor and aroma that enhances many dishes.

Rosemary is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of your rosemary plant:

Watering

Rosemary prefers drier soil, so be careful not to overwater it. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering, and never let the soil become waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.

Fertilizing

Rosemary doesn't require much fertilization. You can feed the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season, but be sure not to over-fertilize.

Mulching

Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds around the plant. Use a layer of organic mulch such as straw, wood chips, or leaves around the base of the plant. Be sure to keep the mulch away from the stem to prevent rot [3].

Soil

Rosemary prefers well-drained, sandy, and slightly acidic soil. You can improve the drainage and texture of your soil by adding some coarse sand or perlite. You can also adjust the pH of your soil by adding some lime or sulfur, depending on whether it is too acidic or alkaline. The ideal pH range for rosemary is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Water

Rosemary is drought-tolerant and can survive with little water once established. However, it still needs some water to thrive and produce flowers and oils. You can water your rosemary less frequently during winter, when the plant is dormant and the soil is cooler. You can also mist your rosemary occasionally to increase the humidity and prevent spider mites.

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can be harvested throughout the year. To harvest rosemary, you will need a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, a basket or a paper bag, and some twine or rubber bands. Follow these steps to harvest rosemary:

• Choose a healthy rosemary plant that has not been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.

• Cut the stems at the base, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the plant. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this may weaken it and reduce its growth.

• Gather the stems into small bunches and tie them together with twine or rubber bands. You can also leave them loose if you prefer.

• Place the bunches or loose stems in a basket or a paper bag. Make sure there is enough air circulation to prevent mold and rot.

• Store the rosemary in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can also hang the bunches upside down in a well-ventilated area.

• Use the fresh rosemary within a week or two, or dry it for longer storage. To dry rosemary, spread the stems on a baking sheet and bake them in a low oven (about 200°F) for an hour or until they are brittle. You can also use a dehydrator or an air dryer to dry rosemary. Once dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.

Pruning rosemary is a simple but important task to keep your herb healthy and productive. Rosemary is a woody perennial that grows best in well-drained soil and full sun. It can tolerate some frost, but not prolonged cold or wet conditions. To prune rosemary, you need a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears and a clean cloth. Here are the steps to follow:

• Prune rosemary in early spring, before new growth begins. This will stimulate the plant to produce more branches and leaves.

• Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches from the base of the plant. Cut them off at an angle, leaving a clean wound that will heal faster.

• Trim back any overgrown or leggy branches to maintain the shape and size of the plant. You can cut back up to a third of the plant's height and width, but avoid cutting into old wood that has no leaves.

• Wipe your scissors or pruning shears with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol after each cut to prevent spreading diseases or pests.

• Use the pruned rosemary sprigs for cooking, drying or making herbal tea. You can also propagate new plants from the cuttings by dipping them in rooting hormone and planting them in moist potting mix.

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Here are the steps to follow:

• Choose a healthy rosemary plant and cut a 10-15 cm long stem from the tip of a branch. Remove the lower leaves and trim the stem just below a leaf node.

• Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and shake off the excess.

• Fill a small pot with moist potting mix and make a hole in the center with a pencil. Insert the stem into the hole and gently firm the soil around it.

• Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag and place it in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• Check for roots after 4-6 weeks by gently tugging on the stem. If you feel resistance, it means the stem has rooted.

• Remove the plastic bag and transplant the rosemary plant to a larger pot or to your garden. Enjoy your new rosemary plant!

Rosemary is a popular herb that can be grown indoors or outdoors. It prefers well-drained soil, full sun, and moderate watering. To pot or repot rosemary, you will need a container with drainage holes, potting mix, and some gravel or pebbles. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the root ball of the rosemary plant. It should be deep enough to accommodate the roots and leave some space at the top for watering.

2. Fill the bottom of the container with a layer of gravel or pebbles to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

3. Add some potting mix to the container and make a hole in the center for the rosemary plant.

4. Carefully remove the rosemary plant from its original pot and gently loosen the roots. Trim any dead or damaged roots with a sharp knife or scissors.

5. Place the rosemary plant in the hole and fill in the gaps with more potting mix. Press down lightly to firm the soil and eliminate air pockets.

6. Water the rosemary plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain out. Place the container in a sunny spot and avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely.

7. Repot the rosemary plant every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. You can also prune the rosemary plant to maintain its shape and size.

Rosemary is a popular herb that can be grown in pots or in the ground. It has aromatic leaves and purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. However, rosemary can also suffer from some common pests and plant diseases that can affect its health and appearance. Here are some of the most common problems and how to prevent or treat them:

• Spider mites: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry. They can also produce fine webs on the plant. To control spider mites, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap every few days, or use a miticide if the infestation is severe.

• Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted leaves and stems. They can also transmit viruses and attract ants. To control aphids, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap, or use a systemic insecticide if needed.

• Whiteflies: These are small, white-winged insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can also excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth. To control whiteflies, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap, or use a yellow sticky trap to catch them.

• Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to decay and rot. It can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne pathogens. To prevent root rot, water the plant only when the soil is dry, improve the drainage of the soil or pot, and avoid injuring the roots when transplanting or pruning.

• Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop a white, powdery coating. It can be caused by high humidity, poor air circulation, or lack of sunlight. To prevent powdery mildew, prune the plant to improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and provide adequate sunlight. To treat powdery mildew, spray the plant with a fungicide or a solution of baking soda and water.

There are different ways to plant rosemary: through seed, cuttings, or purchased plants. Here are some guidelines on how to plant rosemary:

• Fill a seed tray or pots with well-draining soil.

• Sow the rosemary seeds in the tray, making sure there's 1/4 inch of soil covering the seeds.

• Water the seeds thoroughly.

• Place the tray in a warm, sunny location.

• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Seedlings will emerge within 14 to 21 days.

• Once the seedlings have grown to 2 inches or more, transplant them to a larger pot or in the ground with a spacing of at least 18 to 24 inches apart.

Regular pruning helps keep the plant bushy and promotes new growth. Prune your rosemary plant in the spring before new growth appears by cutting back about one-third of the plant's growth. You can also harvest sprigs from the plant throughout the growing season by cutting just above a leaf node.

Rosemary is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. To control these pests, use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Rosemary can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet, so be sure to plant it in well-draining soil.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on how to grow Rosemary:

What's the best soil type for growing Rosemary?

Rosemary prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline with a pH of around 7.0 or slightly lower. A sandy soil or potting mix with added perlite or grit to improve drainage is best.

How much sunlight does Rosemary need?

Rosemary needs full sun to thrive. Place it in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

When should I prune my Rosemary plant?

Prune your Rosemary plant in the spring before new growth appears by cutting back about one-third of the plant's growth. You can also harvest sprigs from the plant throughout the growing season by cutting just above a leaf node.

Can I grow Rosemary indoors?

Yes, Rosemary can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location or under artificial lights. Be sure to provide good air circulation and avoid overwatering.

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Rosemary - National Library of Medicine

2. Anti-inflammatory properties - Veterans Health Administration

3. Rot -  University of Massachusetts Amherst