Rosemary

Growing Conditions

Rosemary is native to the dry, rocky Mediterranean coast. It requires full sun, excellent drainage, and lean soil. Wet roots — especially in winter — kill it reliably. In Zone 7 and warmer it is a reliable perennial shrub. In Zone 5 it is not reliably hardy in the ground and is best grown in a container that can be overwintered indoors.

Cold climates (Zone 5): Grow in a container with fast-draining potting mix. Bring indoors before first frost to a cool, bright location (40°F–55°F, full sun or grow lights). Water sparingly indoors — rosemary rots easily in low-light winter conditions. Move back outside after last frost.

Warm climates (Zone 7+): Plant in the ground in a well-draining location. Established plants require almost no care.

Sowing & Planting

Start from transplants or cuttings — rosemary germinates slowly and variably from seed. Plant in spring, spacing 18–24 inches apart in the ground or in a 12–16 inch container. Use fast-draining soil mix for containers; add grit to garden soil if drainage is poor.

Care & Maintenance

Water sparingly once established — rosemary is highly drought-tolerant. Water container plants more regularly but allow soil to dry between waterings. Prune lightly after flowering to shape. Do not cut into old wood — rosemary doesn’t regenerate from woody stems. Feed lightly once per season with a balanced fertilizer.

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage is the primary cause of death. Powdery mildew on indoor plants in low-light, low-airflow conditions. Spider mites on indoor plants in dry winter air — improve humidity and airflow. Outdoor established plants are largely trouble-free.

Harvest

Snip sprigs from the tips of branches — avoid cutting into woody stems. Harvest lightly in the first season to allow the plant to establish. Once established, plants tolerate heavier harvesting. Fresh rosemary is available year-round from container plants brought indoors. For drying, strip needles from stems and dry at low temperature — rosemary dries well and retains flavor.

Varieties

Tuscan Blue is upright, vigorous, and the standard culinary type. Arp is one of the most cold-hardy varieties — reported hardy to Zone 6 in well-draining soil. Hill Hardy is another cold-tolerant variety. Trailing/prostrate varieties (Prostratus) are ornamental and edible but less cold-hardy. For Zone 5 container growing, any upright culinary variety works well.