How to Grow and Care for Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic herb that grows as an evergreen. It is a native plant of the Mediterranean and it is hardy in the U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 10. This perennial herb grows like a shrub and it can grow 1 to 6 tall with an equal spread. The pink or purple flowers attracts bees, butterflies and birds to the garden area. It is deer resistant and drought tolerant. Rosemary is beautiful whether it is growing in containers,beds, borders, slopes, or as a groundcover

Removing the Container

No matter whether you are planting the rosemary in the soil or in a pot, be very careful when removing the rosemary from the container. This herb does not like to have its roots disturbed or you may damage the plant. Try to keep the soil around the rootball intact. Gently pull the plant out of the container. If the pot does not pull off easily, place one hand over the soil as you turn the pot upside down. Tap the rim of the pot on the edge of your work table. Turn the pot a quarter turn between each tap until the rootball comes out.

Growing in Pots

Rosemary prefers to grow in well-drained potting soil. A good mixture to use is 80% compost and 20% sand or perlite. Rosemary is an herb that has a deep root system, so choose a large, deep pot to grow it in. Cover the drainage holes with pieces of shard, packing peanuts, small rocks, or a piece of window screen cut to size. this keeps the soil in the pot each time you water the soil. Fill the container a third full with well-drained potting soil.

Place the rootball in the center of the pot. Make sure that the top of the rootball is 1/2 inch below the rim of your pot. Adjust the soil below the root section if necessary. When you have it the right depth, fill in around the rootball with potting soil. Firm the soil in place with your hands and then lightly bang the pot down on top of your worktable to settle the soil further.

During the summer, take your potted rosemary outside and place it in a bright, but sheltered location… Bring in the rosemary indoors when the temperatures dip below 50° Fahrenheit. Place the pot in a sunny window.

Planting Outdoors

For those who live in zones 7 or warmer, plant your rosemary into the garden in the spring. Find a site that offers ample sunshine, with some wind protection. The soil should be well-drained and a bit limey. This often causes the plant to stay on the smaller side, but the leaves will be more fragrant. Remove any weeds, grass, or other vegetation in a 2-foot area. As you dig up the soil, amend it with 3 to 4-inches of organic compost. This will lighten up the soil and provide nutrients for a healthy plant. If you are planting more than one rosemary plant, space the holes at least 2 feet apart.

Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the rootball, but keep the planting depth the same.

Place the rootball in the center of the planting hole. Check to make sure that the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding ground. Fill in around the rootball with soil, tamping the soil as you to eliminate air pockets.

Watering

Keep the soil well-watered, after transplanting. Through the rest of the season, water your rosemary only when the soil dries out. Rosemary will rot if it receives too much water, but it can survive slightly drought conditions.

Fertilizer

Feed your rosemary plant once a month from April through October. Prune your plant by using the stems for your cooking. Or you can trim the side stems after the plant has flowered.

Pests

Spider mites are often a problem for rosemary plants. Hose the plant off with a blast of water if the plant is outside. If it is winter, place the pot into the shower and turn on the water. Use tepid water, so you don’t shock or burn the plant. You can use a pesticide to control spider mites, but make sure that it is food safe. If you notice a powdery mold growing on the leaves that means that, your plant needs more air circulation. Set up a small fan to circulate the air if your rosemary is growing indoors.