Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is quite undemanding and feels very comfortable in the right location both in the garden and in the pot. The cultivation of the sun-loving subshrub can be done with little effort, provided you follow our tips.
In which location does rosemary feel particularly comfortable?
The spice shrub originally comes from the Mediterranean region and is therefore used to a lot of sun - the more, the better. It prefers a sheltered spot in full sun. Partial shade is also often tolerated by the plant.
Can I just sow rosemary or should I prefer seedlings?
Most rosemary varieties - apart from a few newer breeds - are quite sensitive to cold, which is why direct sowing in the bed should take place at the end of May / beginning of June at the earliest. However, it is far more promising to prefer the young plants on the windowsill and only later to transplant them into the garden bed. However, rosemary does not germinate particularly reliably.
When is the best time to plant rosemary?
Rosemary is best planted in late spring, about a week or two after the end of the Ice Saints.
At what distance is rosemary planted?
The subshrub is quite vigorous and therefore needs space - in its countries of origin, rosemary can grow up to two meters high and is therefore also planted as a hedge. A distance of about 50 centimeters is recommended in the bed, as a single plant you can treat your rosemary to up to one square meter.
Which soil needs rosemary?
Like almost all Mediterranean herbs, rosemary prefers dry, lean and calcareous soil. The pH should be in the neutral to alkaline range, but never acidic. The plant does not tolerate too much moisture at all.
Can you transplant rosemary?
Yes. It is best to dig it up with the help of a pitchfork, then fewer roots will be damaged. But be careful: rosemary develops numerous, very widely branched and deep roots.
When can I harvest rosemary?
Theoretically, rosemary can be harvested all year round, with the tips of the young shoots in particular being used in the kitchen. Rosemary can also be harvested without any problems during flowering, as it hardly loses its aroma during this time.
How can I propagate rosemary?
The easiest way to propagate rosemary is through cuttings and, if the bush is large enough, also through layering. Propagation via seeds is less advisable, as these only germinate very unreliably. In addition, the seedling does not always develop as one would like. Rosemary can also be multiplied and rejuvenated by division.
Good Neighbors / Bad Neighbors
Rosemary harmonises very well with other Mediterranean herbs that have similar requirements in terms of care, soil and location. this includes i.a. Oregano, Thyme, Sage and Lavender. Furthermore, rosemary is compatible with fennel, onions or leeks as well as caraway and chamomile. A very bad neighbor, on the other hand, is mustard.
tips and tricks
If you want to grow rosemary as a balcony plant then hanging rosemary (such as the cultivar 'Prostatus') is a pretty option. Hanging rosemary is also very good over a natural stone wall.
IJA