Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is quite undemanding and feels very comfortable in the right location both in the garden and in the pot. Growing the sun-hungry subshrub can be done with little effort as long as you follow our tips.
How do I plant rosemary correctly?
To plant rosemary successfully, choose a sunny location with dry, calcareous soil. Plant rosemary in late spring, leaving about 50cm between plants. Propagation is best achieved via cuttings or planters.
Where does rosemary feel particularly comfortable?
The spice bush originally comes from the Mediterranean region and is therefore used to a lot of sun - the more the better. It likes a sunny, sheltered spot most. The plant also often tolerates partial shade.
Can I just sow rosemary or should I prefer small plants?
Most rosemary varieties - apart from a few newer varieties - are quite sensitive to cold, which is why direct sowing into the bed should not take place until the end of May / beginning of June at the earliest. However, it is far more promising to grow the young plants on the windowsill and only move them to the garden bed later. However, rosemary does not germinate particularly reliably.
When is the best time to plant rosemary?
Rosemary is best planted in late spring, about one to two weeks after the end of the Ice Saint season.
At what distance should rosemary be planted?
The subshrub is quite fast-growing and therefore needs space - in its countries of origin, rosemary can grow up to two meters high and is therefore also planted as a hedge. A distance of around 50 centimeters is recommended in the bed; as a single plant you can give your rosemary up to one square meter.
Which soil does rosemary need?
Like almost all Mediterranean herbs, rosemary prefers dry, poor and calcareous soil. The pH value should be in the neutral to alkaline range, but in no way acidic. The plant cannot tolerate excessive moisture at all.
Can you transplant rosemary?
Yes. It's best to dig it up with the help of a pitchfork, then fewer roots will be injured. But be careful: Rosemary develops numerous, very widely branched and deep-reaching roots.
When can I harvest rosemary?
Theoretically, rosemary can be harvested all year round, with the tips of the young shoots in particular being used in the kitchen. Rosemary can also be easily harvested during flowering as it hardly loses any of its aroma.
How can I propagate rosemary?
Rosemary is easiest to propagate using cuttings and, if the bush is of appropriate size, also using planters. Propagation via seeds is less advisable as they germinate very unreliably. In addition, the seedling does not always develop as one would like. Rosemary can also be propagated and rejuvenated by division.
Good neighbors / Bad neighbors
Rosemary harmonizes very well with other Mediterranean herbs that have similar requirements in terms of care, soil and location. these include, among other things: Oregano, thyme, sage and lavender. Rosemary also goes well with fennel, onions and leeks as well as caraway and chamomile. A very bad neighbor, on the other hand, is mustard.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to grow rosemary as a balcony plant, then hanging rosemary (for example the variety 'Prostatus') is a pretty option. Hanging rosemary also looks great above a natural stone wall.
