How to Grow Rosemary: Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Nov 03, 2026by David Schulze

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus, formerly Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and small pale blue flowers. It is a Mediterranean plant at heart: it wants full sun, sharp drainage, and a light hand with water and fertilizer. Rosemary grows slowly and unevenly from seed, so start it early and be patient, and in cold-winter climates plan to overwinter it indoors in a pot.

When to Plant Rosemary

Start rosemary seeds indoors ten to twelve weeks before your last frost date, and transplant young plants outside after the last frost. Germination is slow and erratic, often taking two to four weeks or more, so don't give up on a tray too soon.

How to Plant Rosemary Seeds

Sow seeds on the surface of the growing medium and press them in gently, covering them only lightly; growing guides differ on whether light is required, but a shallow sowing works either way. Keep the medium moist but not soaked. Choose a spot in full sun with light, free-draining soil, since rosemary hates wet roots, especially in winter. Give plants room to become the sizeable shrubs they are: about two to three feet apart for a permanent planting, or closer if you grow it as an annual.

Caring for Rosemary Plants

Water regularly the first year to keep the root ball moist, then let the plant dry out thoroughly between waterings; too much water causes root rot, and established rosemary is quite drought tolerant. Fertilize lightly, since excess fertilizer reduces flowering and fragrance, and provide good air circulation to prevent foliar disease. Trim lightly every year after the flowers fade to keep the plant compact, but avoid cutting back into old wood, which rosemary does not readily regrow from. In cold-winter regions, grow rosemary in a container and bring it indoors before the first frost, giving it a bright, cool, sunny spot.

Harvesting Rosemary

Rosemary is evergreen and can be harvested year-round, though the soft new growth of late spring and summer has the best flavor. Snip sprigs up to about four inches long from the branch tips as needed, and harvest or prune regularly to encourage new growth, allowing the plant to replace its growth between cuttings. Use rosemary fresh or dried; fresh sprigs keep a week or two in the refrigerator, and sprigs can be hung to dry and stored in an airtight jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my rosemary seed tray taking so long?

Rosemary germination is naturally slow and uneven, sometimes stretching to a month or more. Keep the medium warm and just moist, and wait before discarding the tray.

Can rosemary survive winter outdoors?

In mild-winter regions, yes, especially with well-drained soil, since wet winter ground is rosemary's biggest enemy. In colder climates, grow it in a container and bring it indoors for winter.

Why did my rosemary turn woody and bare at the base?

Unpruned rosemary becomes leggy and woody over time. Annual light trimming keeps it compact, but rosemary rarely recovers from heavy pruning into old wood, so badly overgrown plants are best replaced.

Enjoying Rosemary

Rosemary's resinous leaves perfume the garden and the kitchen alike, and its evergreen habit makes it handsome in borders, herb beds, and containers year-round. Use the sprigs fresh or dried in roasts, potatoes, and breads.