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Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

The Mediterranean evergreen that brings woody fragrance and elegance to gardens—drought-tolerant once established and rewarding for patient growers.

🌱 Root Zone: Medium to Deep
🌱 Annual ☀️ Full Sun 💧 Moderate Water 🌡️ Zones 3-9
🌿

Best Roommates 12

Carrot

Rosemary repels carrot pests; different water needs can work

Tomato

Both benefit from Mediterranean heat; repel similar pests

Marjoram

Similar Mediterranean herb; complementary growing conditions

Chives

Attract beneficial insects while respecting rosemary's dry preference

Nasturtium

Attractive combination; trap crop for pests

Sage

Both drought-tolerant; similar Mediterranean origin

Marigold

Both drought-tolerant; attract beneficial insects; repel pests

Dill

Dill attracts parasitic insects; no competition

Borage

Borage attracts beneficial insects near rosemary

Oregano

Mediterranean herbs with overlapping benefits and requirements

Parsley

Complementary herb benefits; attract beneficial insects

Thyme

Complementary Mediterranean herbs with similar care needs

Keep Your Distance 1

Fennel

Fennel's allelopathic compounds inhibit many neighbors including rosemary

Growing Guide

🌱 Planting

  • Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
  • Transplant when soil reaches 65°F (18°C)
  • Space plants 18-24 inches apart
  • Plant in well-draining, rich soil with pH 6.0-6.8

💧 Water & Soil

  • Water deeply 1-2 inches per week
  • Mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds
  • Consistent watering prevents fruit cracking
  • Avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease

☀️ Light & Temperature

  • Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
  • Ideal temperatures: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
  • Protect from strong winds
  • Use row covers in cooler climates

🌿 Care & Maintenance

  • Stake or cage plants for support
  • Prune suckers below the first flower cluster
  • Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during fruiting
  • Monitor for common pests and diseases

Harvesting & Storage

🍅 When to Harvest

  • Harvest when fully colored but still firm
  • Ripe when gently pressed gives slightly
  • Best flavor developed at room temperature
  • Check daily during peak season

🏠 Storage Tips

  • Store at room temperature out of direct sun
  • Avoid refrigeration (cold ruins flavor/texture)
  • Use within 5-7 days for best quality
  • Can be frozen, canned, or dried for preservation

Troubleshooting Guide

🐛 Common Pests

  • Hornworms: Hand-pick or use Bt
  • Aphids: Spray with soapy water
  • Whiteflies: Use yellow sticky traps
  • Spider Mites: Increase humidity, use neem oil

🦠 Common Diseases

  • Early Blight: Remove affected leaves, improve airflow
  • Blossom End Rot: Ensure consistent calcium supply
  • Cracking: Maintain even watering
  • Powdery Mildew: Increase air circulation

Get Growing

Ready to add Rosemary to your garden? Find high-quality organic seeds to get started.

Find Rosemary Seeds

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Common Questions

What are the best companion plants for Rosemary?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a medium to deep root plant. The best companions include Carrot, Tomato, Marjoram, Chives, Nasturtium, Sage, Marigold, Dill, Borage, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme.

What should you NOT plant next to Rosemary?

Avoid planting Fennel near Rosemary as they may compete for nutrients or attract similar pests.

Can I grow Rosemary in a container?

Rosemary has a medium to deep root system, so choose a deep container (at least 12-18 inches) for best results.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): The Ultimate Mediterranean Herb Guide

Quick Stats

  • Scientific Name: Salvia rosmarinus
  • Height: 2-4 feet tall
  • Spread: 2-3 feet wide
  • Sunlight: Full sun (6-8 hours daily)
  • Water Needs: Low to moderate
  • Harvest: Year-round
  • USDA Zones: 8-10 (container-friendly in cooler zones)

Why Grow Rosemary? A Gardener's Perspective

Rosemary isn't just an herb—it's a versatile garden superstar that combines culinary magic, medicinal potential, and ornamental beauty. This Mediterranean native brings aromatic charm and practical benefits to gardens of all sizes, from sprawling landscapes to compact urban balconies.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Soil Preparation

  • Preferred pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly alkaline)
  • Essential drainage amendment: Mix in coarse sand or fine gravel
  • Recommended soil type: Well-draining, sandy loam
  • Avoid: Heavy clay soils that retain moisture

Planting Pro Tips

Best planting time: Early spring after last frost

Spacing: 2-3 feet between plants

Depth: Plant at same level as nursery container

Initial watering: Thorough but not waterlogged

Sunlight & Climate Requirements

  • Minimum sunlight: 6-8 hours direct sun daily
  • Ideal temperature range: 55-80°F
  • Drought tolerance: Exceptionally high
  • Winter hardiness: Best in zones 8-10

Strategic Companion Planting

Companion Plant Partnerships

  • Sage (Reduces fungal infections, shared growth requirements)
  • Thyme (Complementary root systems, similar water needs)
  • Cabbage Family Crops (Natural pest deterrence)
  • Repels cabbage moths
  • Improves overall garden ecosystem

Companion Planting Benefits

  • Enhanced pest resistance
  • Improved pollination
  • Increased garden biodiversity
  • Natural pest management

Advanced Harvesting Techniques

Harvest Window

  • Best time: Morning, after dew evaporates
  • Frequency: Can harvest year-round
  • Maximum per harvest: 1/3 of plant volume

Professional Harvesting Steps

  • Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears
  • Cut 4-6 inch stem sections
  • Target areas just above leaf intersections
  • Avoid cutting woody base stems

Storage Methods

Fresh Storage

  • Refrigerator: Wrapped in slightly damp paper towel
  • Duration: 7-10 days
  • Optimal temperature: 38-40°F

Preservation Techniques

  • Drying: Hang in cool, dark area with good air circulation
  • Freezing: Chop and freeze in olive oil ice cube trays
  • Recommended storage containers: Glass jars with tight seals

Comprehensive Pest Management

Common Pest Challenges

  • Root Rot
  • Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage
  • Solutions:
  • Improve soil drainage
  • Reduce watering frequency
  • Use raised beds or containers
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Prevention:
  • Ensure proper air circulation
  • Avoid overhead watering
  • Treatment:
  • Neem oil spray
  • Diluted hydrogen peroxide solution
  • Spider Mites
  • Indicators: Stippled, discolored leaves
  • Control Methods:
  • Insecticidal soap
  • Regular plant misting
  • Introduce beneficial predatory insects

Natural Pest Control Strategies

  • Encourage ladybug population
  • Maintain garden biodiversity
  • Practice crop rotation
  • Use organic pest management techniques

Regional Growing Considerations

Cold Regions (Zones 3-5)

  • Container growing mandatory
  • Indoor overwintering required
  • Provide bright, cool indoor location
  • Reduce watering by 50-70%

Transitional Zones (Zones 6-7)

  • Heavy winter mulching
  • Plant in sheltered microclimate areas
  • Use cold frames or protective coverings

Warm Regions (Zones 8-10)

  • Direct ground planting
  • Minimal winter protection
  • Potential year-round outdoor cultivation

Expert Pro Tips

  • Perfect for xeriscaping
  • Excellent container garden candidate
  • Ornamental hedge potential
  • Medicinal and culinary versatility

Whether you're a culinary enthusiast, medicinal herb lover, or passionate gardener, rosemary offers unparalleled garden value. Its resilience, beauty, and multi-purpose nature make it an essential addition to any herb collection.

Happy growing!

⚠️ Note: Some plant information on this site is AI-generated. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying critical growing information with local extension services or horticultural experts before planting.