HerbsLamiaceae

Rosemary.

Warm seasonDeer-resistantPollinator magnet
At a glance

The spec sheet.

Direct sow / out
May
Germ
Purchased plants
Days to harvest
Tender perennial
Spacing
24"
Depth
Transplant depth
Square-foot
1 per square (grows large)
Qty target
1–2 plants for kitchen use.

Plant

Buy plants — seed is very slow. Well-drained soil, full sun. Borderline hardy in Zone 6b; overwinter potted plants indoors or take cuttings in fall.

Care

Water only when dry — rosemary hates wet feet. Do not over-fertilize (weakens flavor). Prune regularly to prevent legginess.

Harvest

Snip 4" tips year-round. Best before flowering; flowering brings pollinators.

Preserve

Dried keeps flavor well. Also oil-preserved, herb butters, herb salt.

Companion planting

What rosemary likes, and doesn’t.

Good neighbors

Avoid nearby

  • Cucumbers (sensitive to aromatic herbs)