Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Most rosemary plants have an upright growth pattern and can reach 4 or 5 feet in good growing
conditions. Some cultivars, however, have dwarf forms and don't grow more than a couple feet. One
of my favorite cultivars has a weeping form that is perfect for edging a raised bed or large container.
I love the pine needle-like foliage of the rosemary plants and usually have more than one variety.
(Photo courtesy of Brannan Sirratt)
Rosemary can be grown from seed but takes a couple weeks to germinate. Provide plenty of
sunshine and moderate water until the plant is well established. After rosemary is well established
it will prove to be more drought tolerant than many other garden plants.
Not many pests will attack rosemary, but whiteflies, spider mites, and powdery mildew can be
occasional problems. When growing tips are damaged by the cold, or get too woody and over-
grown, simply prune out the dead or twiggy branches. Use them in a grill to flavor baked potatoes,
roasted kabobs, or grilled meat.
To harvest rosemary, simply snip fresh stems from the plant with hand pruners. As with most
herbs, harvesting leaves prior to flowering is the time of peak flavor. Preserve the harvest by drying,
freezing fresh twigs, or flavoring oils and vinegars. Rosemary is often used in potato dishes, meats
of all kinds, and even herb butter.
