Can You Start Rosemary From a Stem?

Cultivation

• Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, may be grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11 without winter protection. The herb may be grown in hardiness zone 6 with insulating, protective mulch placed on top of the soil. In other climates, rosemary may be grown indoors or moved indoors at the beginning of the winter. Rosemary is easy to grow in containers if it is placed in full sunlight. Ideally, temperatures for growing rosemary should range from 50 to 70 degrees.

Rosemary Cuttings

• You can take rosemary cuttings at any time during the summer. Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to take 3 inches off a year-old stem. Always pick a stem that is straight and healthy-looking, covered with dense foliage growth, and make a clean, straight cut to remove the sprig.

Planting

• Rosemary stems are easy to grow and will even take root in a glass of water. For a healthy plant, place the freshly cut stems in a lightweight, sandy potting medium. Before planting, gently remove the needles from the bottom half of the rosemary stem. Place the stem about 1/2 inch deep into the soil, moisten the potting mix with water, and cover the pot with clear plastic. Poke holes in the plastic to provide air circulation. When growth appears, the stem has taken root.

Care

• Keep the soil uniformly moist. Fertilize the plant every spring with well-balanced organic fertilizer or compost. Plants should be well-spaced to promote air circulation that prevents fungal disease. Rosemary plants are low-maintenance, and once established should remain healthy for many years.