Rosemary Plants
Rosemary is a woody Mediterranean shrub that loves sun, heat and dry soil. Buy it as a plant, not seed. Rosemary seed germinates poorly and takes a year to reach harvest size, while a rooted plant is ready to pick. In zones 7 to 10 it grows into a shrub outdoors. In colder areas, grow it in a pot and bring it in for winter.
How to choose Rosemary Plants
- Upright varieties: Tuscan Blue and Barbecue grow tall and strong-flavored, good for cooking and hedges.
- Cold-hardy: Arp and Madeline Hill survive to about zone 6 with protection.
- Trailing: prostrate rosemary spills over walls and pots.
Rosemary Plants at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun, 6 to 8 hours |
| Water | Let the soil dry between waterings |
| Soil | Lean, fast-draining, sandy or gritty |
| Hardiness | Zones 7 to 10; some cultivars to 6 |
| Size | 2 to 4 feet in the ground |
| Harvest | Snip sprigs year round |
How to overwinter rosemary indoors
- Bring the pot inside before the first hard frost, around 30°F.
- Place it in your sunniest window, ideally south-facing, or under a grow light.
- Keep it cool if you can, around 50 to 65°F.
- Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Indoor rosemary most often dies from overwatering.
- Move it back outdoors in spring after the last frost, acclimating it over a week.
Common problems
- Powdery white coating: Powdery mildew from poor airflow. Space it out and avoid wetting the leaves.
- Needles browning from the bottom: Usually root rot from wet soil. Let it dry out and improve drainage.
- Dying indoors in winter: Too little light or too much water. Both are common indoors.
FAQ
Can I grow rosemary from seed?
You can, but germination is low and slow. Plants or cuttings are far easier.
How often should I water rosemary?
When the soil's dry an inch down. In the ground it's very drought-tolerant once established.
Is rosemary a perennial?
Yes, an evergreen shrub in zones 7 to 10.
How do I propagate rosemary?
Root 4 to 6 inch softwood cuttings in perlite or light mix in spring or summer.
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