How to Grow Rosemary

Growing Rosemary in Warm Climates (USDA Zones 8 Through 10)

• 1

  Buy started plants at the nursery for best results; seeds germinate slowly and erratically - and then only when they're very fresh.

• 2

  Choose a site that gets full sun or very light afternoon shade and has excellent drainage (raised beds are ideal). Rosemary prefers poor to average soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

• 3

  Plant at any time, setting transplants into the ground at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots. Leave at least 2 feet all around to ensure good air circulation.

• 4

  Clip leaves or sprigs anytime you need them.

Growing Rosemary in Cooler Climates (USDA Zone 7 and North)

• 5

  Buy started plants at the nursery for planting in early spring.

• 6

  Use a clay pot that measures at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches across and has plenty of drainage holes.

• 7

  Fill it with a light, coarse potting mix, such as cactus soil with a handful of perlite added. Set the plants into their new quarters at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots.

• 8

  Harden off plants when all danger of frost has passed, then move them outdoors (see "How to Harden Off Seedlings").

• 9

  Water regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but never wet. During spring and early summer, feed plants monthly with compost tea.

• 10

  Bring the plants back inside well before the first frost and put them in a sunny south- or west-facing window. If winter sunlight is scarce in your house, augment the supply with fluorescent lights.

• 11

  Keep the soil moist and mist the plants at least twice a week with tepid water.

• 12

  Clip leaves or sprigs anytime you need them.