Common, Rosemary Seed

Common Rosemary Seed

Aromatic evergreen herb brings piney flavor to countless dishes
Fragrant foliage also suits potpourri and crafts
Starting seed early improves first-season growth
Established plants tolerate light frost

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Rosmarinus officinalis

Days to maturity

110 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

Zones 8–10 Check your growing zone

About Common, Rosemary Seed, Rosemary Seed

Rosemary is a very popular herb for its many uses, such as in potpourris and aromatherapy as well as flavoring many dishes! Start the seeds early indoors for a better harvest. Rosemary should be set outside early and will tolerate light frost.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

14–28 days

In-row plant spacing

48"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 8-10

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

62,500

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Prepare for Rosemary by selecting a full-sun site with light, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Loosen compacted ground and incorporate only modest compost, since overly rich or wet soil can weaken rosemary growth and flavor. Prepare a clean, fine seedbed or a freely draining container mix, and avoid fresh manure.

Planting

Start rosemary indoors 10–12 weeks before the last frost because germination is slow. Space plants 18–36 inches apart, depending on mature size. Surface-sow in warm, evenly moist medium under strong light, then harden seedlings gradually.

Watering

Water rosemary deeply, then allow the upper soil to dry before watering again. Established plants tolerate moderate drought and develop poorly in constantly wet or poorly drained conditions.

Fertilizer

Fertilize rosemary sparingly, if at all. A light compost application or diluted balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient; excessive fertility reduces flavor and creates weak growth.

Harvesting

Harvest rosemary leaves or tender stems after plants establish, preferably before flowering for strongest flavor. Cut just above a leaf node and remove no more than one-third of the plant at once.

Tips

Pinch rosemary regularly to encourage branching, and remove flower buds when leaf production is the goal. Protect perennial plants from winter wetness and divide woody or crowded growth as needed.

Pests & Diseases

Rosemary commonly suffers Phytophthora or Pythium root rot, powdery mildew, Botrytis, and bacterial leaf spot. Let containers drain freely and keep foliage dry indoors. Sudden wilt in moist soil warrants root inspection; propagate clean tips early, then discard plants with extensive black roots or stem-base decay.

Scout rosemary from the growing tips downward for aphids, mites, whiteflies, leafminers, slugs, and beetles. Check often enough to remove affected leaves or visible pests before numbers build.