How To Grow Rosemary Seeds
Updated on Dec 31, 2021
By Shannon McCabe
Latin name Salvia rosmarinu is a cold-tender perennial member of the lamiaceae, or mint, family. This beloved herb is cold hardy from USDA zones 7-10, with many zone 6 gardeners reporting sucess in overwintering. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that can grow quite tall in optimal climates; it also makes a perfectly tidy potted plant where it cannot survive over winter.
HISTORY
Native to the Mediterranean region. Used in ancient Egyptian burial rituals.
USES
- Mediterranean gardens
- Xeriscape gardens
- Drought-tolerant gardens
- Culinary uses
- Cover tray with plastic wrap or a clear dome and keep soil temperature at 80 F. (An inexpensive heat mat helps to warm soil.)
- Place in a sunny window or under light.
- Sow thickly, as rosemary is famous for spotty germination!
- Start seeds indoors in a tray, barely covering seeds.
- Germinates in 14-28 days.
- Ideal germination temperature is 80-90 F.
- Prefers full sun.
- Provide well-drained soil.
- Space plants 12-24 inches apart. A drought tolerant plant.
- Rosemary plants cannot withstand temperatures below 30 F.
- Terra cotta pots are ideal for rosemary, as they help keep the plants slightly on the dry side.
PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Essentially pest free, rosemary will suffer from fungal issues if planted in an excessively cool, shady location or if the soil is not adequately well draining.
- Allow flowers to brown and dry.
- Hand pick or shake seed pods free and store in a cool, dry place.
