Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary is a hardy perennial herb with aromatic, needle like leaves and a naturally upright, bushy growth habit. It is highly versatile in the kitchen and is excellent for seasoning meats, vegetables, breads, sauces and roasted dishes. The plants can also be grown as an attractive ornamental hedge and can remain productive for many years with regular pruning.

Packet Quantity: 50 seeds

Planting Instructions

Sowing Time:
Spring, Autumn and Winter. In mild areas, rosemary can be sown for much of the year, avoiding periods of extreme heat or cold.

Position:
Full sun. Choose a warm position with plenty of sunlight and good air circulation.

Soil:
Well drained soil. Rosemary prefers moderately fertile soil and does not perform well in heavy, waterlogged conditions.

Sowing Depth:
5 mm

Spacing:
45 cm between plants.

Germination Time:
21 to 28 days.

Harvest Time:
Leaves and tender shoots can be harvested throughout the year once plants are well established.

Growing Tips

Sow seeds into seed trays or small pots filled with a quality seed raising mix. Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged and maintain a temperature around 23°C during germination.

Rosemary can be slow to germinate, so be patient and avoid allowing the seed raising mix to dry out during this period.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before transplanting into their final position. Allow around 45 cm between plants to give them enough room to develop.

Once established, rosemary is quite drought tolerant and prefers the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid excessive watering, particularly in heavy soils.

Harvest leaves and tender shoots as required throughout the year. Regular harvesting and pruning encourages bushier growth and helps keep plants compact.

Rosemary can be maintained for many years with regular pruning. Avoid cutting heavily into old, woody stems, instead prune back the softer green growth to maintain a healthy, productive plant.