Rosemary Plant Care: A Guide For Growing Rosemary

Rosemary Plant Care – Introduction

Rosemary is an easy to grow herb, whether indoor or outdoor the rosemary plant makes a good selection for any herb garden. Its sharp-like taste and pine-scented fragrance make rosemary a big part of the culinary industry, for both dry and fresh uses.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) originated from and often found growing alongside other herbs, like tarragon, thyme, basil, peppermint, and lavender.

While herb planting, it is best to choose a variety of herbs that is fitting to the climate conditions, soil, and desired use.

Rosemary Classification

Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Common names: Rosemary
Family: Labiatae

The Latin name as Rosmarinus is interpreted to mean“dew of the sea”.

Rosemary Origin

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean, it can also be found growing freely in open areas of southern Europe and is naturalized worldwide.

How to Grow Rosemary Plants

An herb garden is not necessarily a requirement when growing Rosemary, it also can be grown in a single pot. Most herbs perform well in a well-drained, mildly acidic soil with pH is between 6.0 and 7.0

When growing rosemary plants indoors, it should receive a minimum of 6 hours of full sunlight each day. Proper growing and caring of the plant will prevent the rosemary tips from drooping or curling. If the rosemary plant is overwatered or underwatered, its plant leaves may begin to turn red, black, purple or even yellow.

Light

In general, rosemary plants require a full sunlight for more than 6 hours per day. Ideally, during the remainder of the day, the plant can be partially shaded.

Soil

Rosemary prefers a well-drained, mildly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Water

Rosemary is a drought-tolerant plant, so its need for watering is nfrequent. However, too much water may cause root rot.

How often to water rosemary indoors and outdoors?

Although, it can be difficult to determine exactly when the plant needs water. It is suggested that you water rosemary plants every 1 to 2 weeks.

Fertilizer

The fertilizer will help to keep the rosemary plant alive indoors and outdoors. It emits growth for slow or stunted rosemary plants. If the plant appears pale yellow in color, it is in need of fertilizer.

Using an all-purpose fertilizer is ideal as long as it is applied accurately. Be sure not to apply the fertilizer directly to the plant, doing so will cause the leaves to burn.

Propagating Rosemary

Rosemary is propagated by seeds, cuttings, and layering.

  1. Seed germination or rosemary plants is a slow process due to cross-pollination.
  2. Planting rosemary cuttings from healthy growing stem tips are an excellent way to produce new plants.
  3. Layering rosemary plants may be done by pegging the lower tips in the soil.

Harvesting

When the plant matures to a good size, you can pick several branches without causing harm to the rosemary plant.

Harvesting can be performed multiple times in a season and it is recommended that you allow growth for replacement in between harvesting. Fresh rosemary tastes best during the first week of cutting.  To store rosemary for a more extended period of time, trail the herb.

Common Pests and Diseases

Rosemary does a great job of avoiding pest problems.  However, if mealybugs or other pest infestations occur, any natural insecticide may be used.

Read also: Most Popular Drought Tolerant Herbs