Rosemary is a widely used plant in aromatherapy, medicine, and cooking. Although it may be cultivated anywhere in the world, its native habitat is the Mediterranean area. The mint family includes the perennial rosemary plant. In spring and summer, it blooms tiny blue or purple flowers. Its needle-like leaves are green on top and white below. Rosemary has a powerful, unique scent that is similar to that of lemon and pine.
But if you are someone who wants to grow this herb at home, then this is the guide for you. But you must know that it takes time for rosemary to grow. It takes many years for it to attain its mature size, and its growth pace is moderate.
How To Grow Rosemary At Home?
Here's a guide for growing rosemary in your home garden:
Rosemary is a big, shrubby herb that is often cultivated outdoors; however, potted plants may be grown indoors with proper care and attention. Rosemary flourishes with plenty of sunshine and a careful watering schedule that keeps its loamy soil well-hydrated without becoming soggy.
- Rosemary thrives in bright sunlight and well-drained soil. Ensure that no higher trees or bushes in the area are so near that they shadow the rosemary. Cruciferous vegetables (kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), beans, carrots, and spinach make excellent rosemary companion plants.
- Rosemary grows nicely in pots, both indoors and outdoors, as long as it receives adequate light.
- Plant rosemary shrubs at least 2 to 3 feet apart. Plant seedlings and nursery plants at the same depth as they were growing in their previous container. When sowing, very lightly cover the seeds with soil. This shrub seldom requires a support structure.
Important Factors To Remember
Light
Rosemary prefers full light and does not tolerate shade. This implies it needs at least six hours of direct sunshine on most days. A south-facing window is optimal for indoor growth, and grow lights are frequently required to offer additional light. Bring indoor plants outside during warm weather to receive natural sunshine. Inadequate lighting might result in poor growth.
Soil Quality
Rosemary grows well in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. It does not thrive in hard clay and damp soils. The optimal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral.
Water
Once planted, rosemary is highly heat-tolerant, and watering moderately is preferable to overwatering. Allow the top several inches of soil to dry between waterings, then water until uniformly wet but not saturated.
Temperature
This plant prefers warm temperatures with moderate humidity levels. Most rosemary types cannot survive temperatures below 30 degrees; however, they are heat-tolerant. They enjoy temperatures ranging from 55 to 80 degrees. Furthermore, high humidity can cause rot and fungal difficulties, particularly if there is insufficient air circulation around the plant.