GROW GUIDE

RUSTIC ROSEMARY

Rosmarinus Officinalis

Rosemary

Plant Description

Characterized by its woody stems and needle-like leaves, rosemary is a robust herb with a pungent, slightly bitter taste and a pine-like aroma.

Originating from the Mediterranean region, it belongs to the mint family and is revered in culinary traditions for its ability to complement a wide range of dishes, including roasted meats, breads, and vegetables

GARDENING LEVEL: MEDIUM

Quick Facts

  • Sun Requirements

    Full Sun

  • Days To Sprout

    14-21 Days

  • Days To Harvest

    90-200 Days

  • Plant Spacing

    24-36“

  • Seeds Per Hole

    3-4

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Planting Depth

    1/4"

  • Germination Rate

    ~40%

Best Planting Locations

  • Windowsills

    Good For Compact Growth And Easy Access, Requires Sufficient Sunlight.

  • Raised Beds

    Excellent As It Needs Well-Drained Soil And Good Air Circulation.

  • Balconies

    Suitable For Container Gardening With Adequate Sunlight And Airflow.

  • Containers

    Ideal For Controlling Soil And Moisture; Can Be Moved To Ensure Sufficient Sunlight.

Getting Started

  • 1

    Find the Spot

    Requires full sun and can tolerate some wind, making it ideal for open, sunny gardens. It can also grow indoors near a bright, sunny window.

  • 2

    Prep the Soil & Fertilizer

    Use well-drained, sandy soil. Rosemary does well in poor soils but benefits from a little compost mixed in. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm its flavor and scent.

  • 3

    Plant the Seeds

    Plant 3-4 seeds in each hole about 1/4" deep. Space plants about 24 inches apart as rosemary can grow into a large bush.

Companion Plants

  • Cabbage:

    Rosemary has a strong aroma that covers the scent of brassicas, keeping pests away

  • Sage:

    Similar growing requirements, rosemary plants intensify the health and flavor of sage

  • Carrots:

    Mint is a good repellent of the carrot fly, which are harmful to carrots.

  • Thyme:

    They require similar soil and sunlight conditions, and are sure to protect the garden from many pests

Attractants

  • Bees:

    Rosemary flowers produce nectar, which is a rich food source

  • Butterflies:

    Rosemary flowers produce nectar, which is a rich food source

  • Birds:

    Rosemary's flowers attract some birds, which the plant depends on for pollination

Enemy Plants

  • Mint:

    Rosemary tend to compete with Basil for resources

  • Basil, Pumpkin, Cucumber:

    These plants have different growing requirements

Repellents

  • Cabbage Moths, Carrot flies & Mosquitoes:

    Repelled by rosemary's aroma

Best Time to Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones

  • Zone 3:

    March - April (indoors), transplant in May

  • Zone 4:

    Feb - April (indoors), transplant in May

  • Zone 5:

    Jan - March (indoors), transplant in April

  • Zone 6:

    Jan - March (indoors), transplant in April

  • Zone 7:

    April - May (outdoors)

  • Zone 8:

    February - May (outdoors)

  • Zone 9:

    January - April (outdoors)

  • Zone 10:

    January - March (outdoors)

Day to Day Maintenance

  • Watering

    Prefers drier conditions and should be watered sparingly. Ensure the soil is well-drained and only water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Be cautious of over-watering.

  • Pruning

    Prune in the spring to maintain its shape and size. Regular pruning also encourages fresh, fragrant foliage. Cut back to just above a leaf joint to encourage branching.

The Harvest

  • Gathering

    Cut sprigs as needed, selecting shoots that are not overly woody. Snip them from the top to promote lateral growth and denser foliage.

  • Extra Tip

    Harvest early in the morning, especially if you plan to dry the sprigs, as this is when the aromatic oils are at their peak.

Favorite Uses

  • Lamb

  • Chicken

  • Stews

  • Teas

  • Olive Oil

How to Store

  • Freezing

    • Duration: Several Months
    • Location: Store In The Freezer
    • Method: Wash And Dry The Sprigs, Then Place Them Whole In Freezer Bags.

  • Oil Preservation

    • Duration: Several Months
    • Location: Refrigerator
    • Method: Fully Submerge Sprigs In Oil In An Airtight Container And Refrigerate.

  • Vinegar Preservation

    • Duration: Several Months
    • Location: Cool, Dark Place
    • Method: Submerge In Vinegar In A Sealed Jar. Use The Infused Vinegar For Cooking Or Dressings.

  • Drying

    • Duration: One Year
    • Location: Warm, Dry, And Well-Ventilated Area
    • Method: Hang Bunches Upside Down In A Dark, Dry Place Or Spread Them On A Drying Rack.

Fun Facts

  • Memory Enhancer

    Rosemary is traditionally associated with memory and remembrance, often worn at weddings and funerals alike to symbolize loyalty.

  • Natural Air Freshener

    Due to its strong, pleasant scent, rosemary branches are often used in bouquets and arrangements to freshen the air naturally.