Photo: "IMG_2286" by kleinfreund · CC BY-SA 2.0

Herb · Woody Perennial

Rosemary

Open Pollinated · Lamiaceae

Mediterranean evergreen woody shrub with needle-like, intensely aromatic leaves. Extremely drought-tolerant once established. Dies from wet feet far more often than from cold. Reliably perennial zones 7b-10b; 'Arp' cultivar extends to zone 6. In colder zones, grow as container plant and bring indoors for winter, or treat as annual. Full sun and excellent drainage are non-negotiable. Plants reach 3-5 feet tall in perennial zones. The #1 killer is waterlogged soil in winter.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

80–100 days

Sun

6+ hours

6+ hours full sun

Spacing

24–36 "

Container

Yes

5+ gallon pot

Height

2–5 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Germination Time 14–21 days

Optimal Temp 65°F

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 60°F

Harden Off 7 days

Watering

Weekly Water 0.5–1 "

Needs Low

Method Infrequent, deep watering. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Soil

pH Range 6–7

Soil Type Well-drained to sandy

Resilience

Heat: High Cold: Low-moderate Drought: High

Common Problems

root-rot

Cause: Waterlogged soil, especially in winter.

Prevention: Excellent drainage. Raise beds. Amend with sand/perlite.

winter-kill

Cause: Cold + wet soil combination.

Prevention: Drainage > insulation. Mulch root zone after ground freezes.

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Stems with mature needle-like leaves, 4+ inches of new growth. Peak oil content just before flowering.

Storage 14 days — Wrapped in damp paper towel in fridge.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Common sage Same Mediterranean conditions.

English thyme Same water/drainage needs.

Avoid Planting Near

Genovese basil Different water needs — basil needs more moisture.

Sources

university Nebraska Extension — Rosemary Winter Protection horticultural High Country Gardens — 'Arp' Cold Hardiness horticultural Gardener's Path — Rosemary Growing Guide

More Herbs

Rosemary Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Rosemary vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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