Rosemary

General description

Salvia rosmarinus, commonly known as Rosemary, is a fragrant and aromatic evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region. This herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is celebrated for its slender, needle-like leaves and delicate, bluish-purple flowers. Rosemary is a versatile herb that has been used for culinary, medicinal, and decorative purposes for centuries. When cultivated, it can reach heights of 30-90 centimeters (12-35 inches) and is cherished for its delightful fragrance and flavorful leaves.

Basic care

Tips

• Light: Rosemary thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow vigorously. Place it in a sunny spot, such as a south-facing window or outdoors in a sunny garden.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water Rosemary thoroughly when the top 2-3 centimeters (1 inch) of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
• Soil Type: Plant Rosemary in well-draining, sandy soil with good aeration. You can enhance drainage by adding sand or perlite to the potting mix. It prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0.
• Coffee Grounds: Rosemary can benefit from coffee grounds as a soil amendment. Used coffee grounds can help improve soil texture and provide some nutrients. Mix coffee grounds into the soil or use them as a top dressing occasionally.
• Temperature and Humidity: Rosemary prefers a warm climate and is relatively tolerant of a range of temperatures. It does well in room temperatures between 18°C to 24°C (65°F to 75°F) and can withstand cooler temperatures if protected from frost. Rosemary is adapted to low humidity levels.
• Fertilization: Fertilize Rosemary sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Avoid excessive fertilization, as Rosemary prefers lean soil.
• Pruning: Regularly prune Rosemary to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Pinch back the tips of the branches and remove any dead or woody growth. Pruning also helps to harvest fresh leaves for culinary use.
• Repotting: Repot Rosemary when it becomes root-bound or outgrows its current container, typically every 2-3 years. Use a slightly larger pot with good drainage.