One of the most commonly used herbs in cooking, Rosemary has been around for centuries. The fragrance and taste of this herb are so special that people often want to keep it near them even when no cooking is going on. If you’d like to grow your own rosemary plant, these tips will help you get started.
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of 1-3 feet and produces aromatic leaves and flowers. The leaves are ovate, with serrated edges, and the flowers are small, bell-shaped, and blue or purple. Rosemary prefers dry soil, but will grow in moist soil as well. It is hardy to zone 4.
Rosemary can be grown from seed or cuttings taken in the spring or fall. If you are growing rosemary from seed, sow the seeds in a cold frame in late winter or early spring. When the plants have germinated, move them to a warm area and water lightly until they are established. Once the plants are established, water moderately and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer twice a year. You can also use rosemary essential oil to repel insects and encourage growth.
How to Plant Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy perennial that can be planted in most regions of the United States. Rosemary prefers full sun, but will tolerate some morning or evening shade. It grows best in soil that is well-drained and has a pH of 6.0 or above. Rosemary tolerates moderate amounts of wind and salt, but does not do well in heavy clay soils.
To plant rosemary, dig a hole twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball of the plant. Plant the rosemary at the bottom of the hole, turning it so that it stands up from the soil. Gently press the soil around the roots to help hold them in place.
How Long Does It Take To Grow?
Rosemary is a hardy herb that can withstand cold temperatures and can grow in most soil types. It typically takes around 8-10 weeks to grow rosemary from seed to harvest. Make sure to water your garden regularly while growing rosemary, and fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once a month.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, broken or diseased branches and cut away any clusters of leaves that are larger than 2 inches wide at the base.
Fertilizing
Rosemary is a plant that does well in most soil types, but does prefer a moist, well-drained soil. You can fertilize your rosemary regularly with a general fertilizer or one specifically for plants. Keep in mind that rosemary needs plenty of nitrogen, so make sure to apply a fertilizer accordingly.
Watering
As with any garden plant, water your rosemary when the soil is dry to the touch. When watering rosemary, use a light watering schedule so that the plant doesn’t get soggy.
How to Propagate Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial that can be propagated from cuttings taken from mature plants. Cuttings should be taken in the early spring, just before the new growth begins. Make sure the cutting is at least 2 inches long and use a sharp, sterile knife to make the cut. Place the cutting in water and Let it soak for 30 minutes. After soaking, place the cutting in a pot filled with moist soil and cover with plastic wrap. Keep the pot in a warm place until the cutting has roots. Rosemary will grow quickly, so be patient! Once the roots have developed, transplant the rosemary into a garden bed or container.
Harvesting
To harvest rosemary, cut the stem near the ground level before new growth begins to appear. If you want to keep your rosemary fresh longer, cut it back by one third after the flowers have faded. Rosemary can be dry stored in an open container away from direct sunlight.