What makes rosemary grow

If you plan to use rosemary as a perennial plant, choose a site that will not be disturbed by tilling. Figure 1. Rosemary can be raised in a pot or in a garden. Like most herbs, rosemary is fairly drought resistant and, if healthy enough, can tolerate a light freeze. It is most successful when grown from cuttings or transplants.

Although seed is readily available and usually inexpensive, its germination rate is usually only about 15 percent. The best way to propagate rosemary is by taking a cutting from an already vigorous plant:. Rosemary seldom needs fertilizer. But if growth is slow or the plant appears stunted or pale yellow, apply fertilizer once in early spring before new growth appears.

Any allpurpose fertilizer in dry or liquid form is suitable as long as it is applied correctly. To prevent leaf burning, avoid applying fertilizer directly onto the plant. Too much water can cause root rot. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine when a rosemary plant needs water because its needles do not wilt as broad leaves do. On average, water rosemary every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the plant size and climate conditions. Allow the plants to dry out thoroughly between each watering.

Although rosemary resists most diseases, some cases of powdery mildew have been reported. To prevent the disease from spreading, check the plants regularly and apply the proper fungicides when needed. It features slender, needle-like, gray-green leaves on erect woody stems. And it produces clusters of small, light blue to white flowers typically in the late spring to early summer, though it can bloom at other points of the year as well.

Plant rosemary in the spring after any threat of frost has passed. The shrub has a moderate growth rate. It will reach its mature size and begin flowering in its second season. Containers indoors generally can be started at any time of year. This plant needs a sunny spot that has soil with sharp drainage. Make sure no taller trees or shrubs in the area are so close that they will shade the rosemary. Rosemary also grows well in containers both outdoors and indoors, as long as it can get enough light.

Space rosemary shrubs at least 2 to 3 feet apart. Plant seedlings and nursery plants at the same depth at which they were growing in their previous container. Seeds should be just barely covered with soil when planting. A support structure is typically not necessary for this shrub. Rosemary prefers full sun , meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. A south-facing window is ideal for indoor growth, and grow lights are often necessary to provide supplemental light. Bring indoor plants outside in warm weather to allow them access to natural sunlight.

Inadequate light can cause leggy and weak growth. A well-draining sandy or loamy soil is best for rosemary. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, and then water so that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. This shrub likes warm weather and moderate humidity levels. They prefer temperatures between 55 degrees and 80 degrees.

Rosemary is not a heavy feeder. Mixing compost into the soil at the time of planting can help to give the shrub a healthy start. Then, using a balanced liquid fertilizer, following label instructions, will continue to promote quality growth. Rosemary shrubs self-pollinate and attract bees and other pollinators to the garden. Bring indoor plants outdoors in warm weather when their flowers are open to allow the blooms to naturally pollinate.

There are several types of rosemary to grow, including:. Rosemary and lavender are similar in appearance. Both are shrublike with woody stems, and they feature aromatic leaves that are long and thin. However, rosemary plants generally grow larger than lavender. Rosemary blooms form among the foliage while lavender blooms rise above the foliage on flower spikes.

And lavender has a lighter and more floral taste and aroma than rosemary. It can grow to cm but given a regular monthly topping in summer it will remain full of upright spires ideal for cutting.

Flowering times are irregular with light blue flowers. Salvia rosmarinus 'Miss Jessopp's Upright' A very upright, strong growing variety with thick stems and a dense covering of needle- like leaves. Flowers are light blue. An architectural and tall rosemary with very good flavour. Buy rosemary. Take action Why take action? Support us Donate Careers Commercial opportunities Leave a legacy. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work Join now. Hot links Browse inspiration articles Buy plants online.

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