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Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

HerbsPerennialFrost Hardy

Aromatic evergreen shrub that thrives in poor, well-drained soil. Its flowers attract pollinators and it repels many garden pests.

Overview

SunFull Sun
WaterLowCalculate watering amount
Height50–120 cm
Spread90 cm
Spacing60 cm
Row Spacing75 cm
Germination14–28 days
To Harvest90–180 days

Companion Planting

Bad Companions

None

Toxicity

SeverityNon-toxic

ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; FDA classifies it as Generally Recognized as Safe for humans. Large amounts or concentrated essential oils may cause mild digestive upset in pets.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight; sheltered from cold winds in cooler climates.
SoilWell-draining, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0; amend with compost before planting.
Sowing Depth0.3 cm
Planting Depth5 cm
WateringWater every 2-7 days while establishing; once established, every 1.5-2 weeks in-ground or weekly in containers. Avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingIn-ground plants rarely need fertilizer; container plants benefit from a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in late winter or early spring.

Care Tip: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth; ensure good air circulation between plants by spacing them 60-90 cm apart.

Common Pests

Aphids

Symptoms: Curled and distorted leaves, sticky honeydew residue on foliage, stunted new growth.

Treatment: Spray with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap; neem oil works for persistent infestations.

Prevention: Encourage natural predators like ladybugs; avoid over-fertilizing which promotes tender growth aphids prefer.

Spider Mites

Symptoms: Fine stippling and yellowing of leaves, tiny webbing on undersides of foliage, eventual leaf drop.

Treatment: Spray foliage with water to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation persists.

Prevention: Maintain adequate humidity around plants and ensure good air circulation; regularly inspect leaf undersides.

Scale Insects

Symptoms: Brown, bumpy growths on stems and leaves, sticky sap residue (honeydew), yellowing foliage.

Treatment: Remove manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil for heavy infestations.

Prevention: Inspect new plants before introducing them to the garden; prune overcrowded branches to improve air flow.

Common Diseases

Root Rot

Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing and browning foliage, stunted growth, mushy dark roots.

Treatment: Dig up plant, prune infected roots, dust with fungicide powder, and replant in fresh well-draining soil.

Prevention: Ensure well-draining soil and containers with drainage holes; allow soil to dry between waterings.

Powdery Mildew

Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves and stems, distorted new growth, premature leaf drop.

Treatment: Apply organic fungicide or spray with a solution of 1 tbsp baking soda and a few drops of dish soap per quart of water.

Prevention: Space plants for good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and ensure full sun exposure.

Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold)

Symptoms: Gray fuzzy mold on leaves and stems, soft rotting tissue, wilting branch tips especially in humid conditions.

Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plant parts; apply a copper-based fungicide if infection spreads.

Prevention: Avoid overwatering and overcrowding; prune to improve airflow and remove dead or damaged growth promptly.