Rosemary, which are known botanically as Rosemarinus Officinalis, are a type of herbs that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing rosemary as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.
Best Time to Plant Rosemary
This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the rosemary seeds best started in the spring. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.
To check when rosemary are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for ‘plant hardiness zone + [city]’.
How to Plant Rosemary the Right Way
There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing rosemary in your home garden.
Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your rosemary grow. Generally, your soil should be well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil. Soil PH levels should be around 6.0 to 7.0.
12″ apart. 36″ apart. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about .125″. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.
Begin thinning your rosemary seedlings transplant outdoors when 6 inches tall.
How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Rosemary
The amount of sunlight is another key to a successful harvest. Too much sunlight will dry out your rosemary. Not enough sunlight will stunt your its growth or even kill it.
Ideally, your rosemary should be getting full sun, which means as much sunlight as you can possibly give it, or at least 6 hours or more.
How Much to Water Rosemary
As you’ve figured by now, a lot can have an impact on how well your rosemary do, and the amount of water is no different.
Ideally, the soil should be damp to touch; not soggy or bone dry. If the leaves on your rosemary begin to change colors or start to look droopy, you need to adjust how much water you’re giving it.
Unfortunately, if you give it too much or too little water, you can kill it, so it’s best to just keep an eye on it and water as needed.
How Long Does it Take Rosemary to Germinate and Grow?
Now the fun part begins and you get to watch your rosemary grow.
It takes approximately 15 days to germinate, and a total of 85-90 days from seed to harvest.
When to Harvest Rosemary
The best time to harvest your rosemary is just before flowering when the oils are at their peak.
Rosemary can grow up to about 3 feet in height, .
What Can Rosemary Be Used For?
Food Use: Popular in soups and recipes using meat.
Flavor Profile: Warm, tangy flavor.
Can Rosemary Grow in Pots and Containers?
Yes, you will ideally need a 12″+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.
It also gives you the flexibility to move your rosemary around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Are Rosemary Safe for Bees?
Yes, rosemary are safe for bees.
According to GreenPeace.org, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world’s nutrition.
Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing rosemary is bee-friendly.
