Growing Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S                
        T              

(Best months for growing Rosemary in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Easy to grow. Plant cuttings . Best planted at soil temperatures between 59°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 39 - 59 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 1 years. In warmer areas, harvest time might be shorter.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, Carrots, Cabbages, Sage
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

29 Sep 13, Elaine (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I have a large terra-cotta pot filled with Rosemary. Can I leave it in the pot next to the garage, facing south for the winter? Should I take the plants out and plant them in the same location? Our soil here near New Liseard, Ont. is sandy. Not allowed to take plants back to U.S. Thanks, E
12 Mar 14, evelyn (USA - Zone 5b climate)
would like to plant "pinkie" rosemary bush in ground, will it grow in this zone and what precautions would I take for the winter?
09 Apr 14, Vivian (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
We planted a Rosemary plant that gets full sun. The leaves are still dropping after a month. Can you please advise what to do. The plant is about 65cm high. Many thanks.
12 Jul 14, sherron hardin (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I saw where you can make a hedge out of Rosemary. Would this be a good suggestion? I have several plants I started from seed because I would like organic herbs. I plant on planting it in my garden as an entrance hedge. Need to know if I am heading in the right direction with this herb. We have four seasons here. Trying to make long lasting decisions. Thanks
02 Oct 14, Deborah (Australia - arid climate)
Hello... I wanted to do a mass planting of lavender and rosemary with 5 or so kangeroo paws in a corner. I was hoping that because both lavender and rosemary were from the Mediterranean area, this would work. Do I follow the 'rules' for planting rosemary, for lavender. Do you happen to know if the kangaroo paw would be okay amongst them?
29 Oct 14, Genevieve (Australia - temperate climate)
Have for 8 years had lavender and rosemary alongside each other with no problems. Bees love their flowers. Never had any success with kangeroo paws neither did my neighbours, it must be our soil. Live in Leichhardt, sydney and we also don't have any luck with azealeas.
18 Apr 15, Peter (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am originally from NJ, USA. I now live in Costa Rica. When I lived in NJ Rosemary loved the summer months in that partially shady area I kept it, but once I brought inside before frost, it almost always got the powdery white on it as you describe. It is called powdery mildew and it can be easily controlled by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in a pint of water...once dissolved, spray it on the plant every few days until the problem goes away. Mildew loves acid environments and the bicarb makes it alkaline, killing the mildew but not harming the Rosemary.
11 May 15, Gwenn (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Where can I buy Rosemary seeds in NZ.
18 Jul 15, Philip (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Gwenn, Put your question in a Google search. Here are three places that came up early when I tried it: oderings.co.nz/Shop/Oderings-Plants/Herbs-Cooking-Fresh/Herbs-Cooking-Fresh-__I.84__C.24353 gstuff.co.nz/shop/garden/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=806 egmontseeds.co.nz/herbs/rosemary You will probably also find them in your local garden centre e.g. Mitre10, Bunnings, Placemakers, will have them, as do some supermarkets.
17 Jul 15, Peter (Australia - tropical climate)
I have been a couple of rosemary bush,s for several years but recently they have been looking very jaded
Showing 11 - 20 of 47 comments

We planted a Rosemary plant that gets full sun. The leaves are still dropping after a month. Can you please advise what to do. The plant is about 65cm high. Many thanks.

- Vivian

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.