How To Grow Rosemary

Growing Rosemary: From Seedling to Abundant Harvest

Rosemary might just be the closest thing to gardening magic I’ve ever handled. Its piney aroma? Absolutely worth bruising a sprig between your fingers. But growing rosemary takes more than planting and hoping. Let’s get into it.

Choose the Right Spot

Rosemary craves sunlight. And I mean craves—at least six hours a day. Stick it somewhere sunny where it can bask uninterrupted. Think of this herb like a sunbathing lizard: happy only when it's toasty.

If you’re in a wintry climate, consider planting rosemary in pots. That way, you can haul it indoors when cold weather swoops in. I've learned the hard way that rosemary and frost are mortal enemies.

Soil: Don’t Overthink It, But Do Think

Rosemary thrives in well-draining soil. Heavy, clay-packed earth? Forget it. Instead, go for something sandy or loamy. Add a mix of compost if needed, but don’t let it get soggy.

This herb is Mediterranean at its core. Picture crisp sea breezes and dry, rocky soil. That’s what you’re imitating. Overwater, and you’ll foster root rot faster than you can say "rotting rosemary."

Starting from Seed or Cutting?

If patience isn’t your thing, skip seeds. Rosemary seeds are slow to germinate, and even slower to grow into something usable. I’ve sown seeds before, only to find myself using store-bought plants months later.

Opt for stem cuttings instead. Snip a healthy, non-woody sprig, around 6 inches long. Strip the lower leaves and tuck the stem into moist soil or water. Rooting happens within weeks, and off you go.

Watering: Less, Not More

Overwatering kills rosemary faster than anything else. Water deeply but sparingly, letting the soil dry between drenchings. If unsure, don’t water yet. A thirsty rosemary will forgive you—drowned roots won’t.

Think of it like this: rosemary is rugged, not needy. Give it space to breathe, and it rewards you with healthy growth.

Pruning for Perfection

Prune regularly for a dense, bushy plant. Left unkept, rosemary can grow gangly and woody. Snip back about a third of its growth in late spring or summer.

The clippings? They’re gold. Use them in the kitchen, toss them into bouquets, or dry them for later. Nothing wasted here.

Feeding: Light but Effective

Rosemary isn’t a feeder by nature. A light application of slow-release fertilizer or compost in spring is all it needs. Frankly? If you’ve got good soil, skip this step entirely.

Avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. They promote leafy growth but compromise rosemary’s signature oils—the very reason you’re growing it.

Pests and Other Bullies

Rosemary is pretty pest-resistant, but it’s not invincible. If spider mites or powdery mildew show up, act fast. Blast mites off with water and increase airflow to fight mildew.

I once crowded my rosemary with basil and tomatoes in a container garden. Bad move. The lack of airflow nearly killed my rosemary. Lesson learned: give it elbow room.

Harvesting and Storing

Harvest rosemary anytime, but mornings are best for peak flavor. Snip what you need, cutting stems just above a leaf node to encourage regrowth.

For storage, dry the stems by hanging them upside down in a cool, dark space. Dried rosemary holds its flavor for months, perfect for winter stews and roasted vegetables.

A mature rosemary plant can live up to 20 years if cared for properly. That’s almost two decades of flavor from a single plant.

Bonus: Growing Rosemary Indoors

If indoor gardening is more your style, you’ll need a south-facing window with strong light. Supplement with grow lights if needed. Without intense lighting, rosemary becomes lanky and sad-looking.

Keep an eye on humidity indoors. Dry, heated air in winter can stress the plant. Mist it occasionally or place a humidifier nearby to counteract the dryness.

Aromatic and Endlessly Useful

There’s no overstating the payoff. Once you’ve tamed the art of growing rosemary, you’ll always have it on hand—whether for roasting a chicken, scenting linens, or brewing herbal tea.

Start small. Learn its quirks. Treat it with care, but not too much. Rosemary doesn’t ask for perfection, just a bit of understanding. Honestly, we could all learn something from it.

in your gardenRosemary is an excellent herb to grow in your garden because it adds flavor to dishes you cook, has a pleasant scent, is a hardy plant that is low maintenance, and is an effective natural bug control. It also helps improve nutrient absorption in the soil, attracts pollinators, and can help keep other plants healthy if planted near them. Growing this herb is a great way to save money, get fresh and flavorful ingredients into your meals, and reap the other benefits it has to offer.