Calling to mind the sea mist along the coastal cliffs of its native Mediterranean region that it is named for, Rosmarinus officinalus, or rosemary, is a versatile addition to your herb garden or yard. Easily growing to heights of 12 to 36 inches tall, and almost 3 feet wide, rosemary can make a beautiful hedge to set off your property lines, or you can grow it in containers that can be easily moved indoors in the coldest temperatures. With its crisp, pleasant odor, it is also the perfect border to sidewalks and walkways, releasing its fragrance when brushed in passing.
Rosemary has woody stems, gray-green needle-like leaves and bright blue flowers that last throughout the spring and summer. The plant grows slowly during its first year, but it will take off during the second. Like its relatives in the Lamiaceae (mint) family, it can become invasive if you don’t use it often or prune it to keep it under control.
The plant requires no winter protection in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 and farther south; in northern zones, you can move the container-grown plants indoors. Rosemary is easy to grow, although it can be vulnerable to whiteflies, spider mites, scale, mealybug, powdery mildew and root rot.
Not only is rosemary a visually appealing and wonderfully fragrant plant in the garden, it has multiple uses in the kitchen and in herbal medicines, as well as being a traditional component of festival and wedding decorations, designed to ward off evil influences. Season meats and poultry, sauces, soups, and stews with the herb. Mix it with sea salt and a good-quality, fruity olive oil for a delicious bread dip, or combine it with oil, garlic, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar for an outstanding marinade for meats, poultry or vegetables.
Herbal medicine practitioners also recommend rosemary as a good source of iron, calcium and Vitamin B6. It is also used to improve memory, relieve muscle aches, boost the immune system and even to help promote hair growth.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Perennial
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Violet
- Height: 12″ to 36″ Tall
- Width: 36″ Spread
- Harvest: 60 to 90 Days
- Uses: Culinary / Medicinal
- Environment: Full Sunlight
Sowing The Seeds
Rosemary seeds can be a bit tricky to get started, however, if you follow these simple instructions, they will surely sprout with ease. Begin by soaking the seeds in hot water for a good 12 to 16 hours prior to sowing. This helps prime the seed, loosening its outer shell. Next sow your seeds to the surface of the soil, allowing direct light to reach them. This is crucial in the germination process. Transplant, or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm & all danger of frost passes.
Growing Conditions
Rosemary will enjoy an area of full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures anywhere between 65F to 85F. The plants will enjoy a light, well draining soil that is somewhat rich in organic matter. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any area that consists of hard, compacted soil. Water daily with a light water setting to avoid soaking the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Your Rosemary will begin to show life within as little as 14 to 28 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of about 12 to 36 inches tall and can take up a fair share of width. Space each plant roughly 12 to 18 inches apart from one another. The leaves are best harvested before the flowers bloom. Clip the leaves and sprigs as desired for your culinary uses.