Rosemary Seeds

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is the classic Mediterranean evergreen herb, prized for its slender, needle-like grey-green leaves and warm, resinous aroma of pine and camphor. Its bold, savoury flavour is a kitchen staple for roast lamb and potatoes, focaccia and rustic breads, infused oils and vinegars, while its woody, drought-hardy habit and pale blue flowers make it equally at home as a fragrant ornamental border or low hedge.

Planting

Rosemary is slow and challenging from seed, so sow extra and be patient. Start seed indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last frost, in late winter or early spring. Scatter seed on the surface of the medium and press it in gently, covering only very lightly to about 0.3 cm, since light aids germination. Keep at roughly 18-21 degC; seedlings emerge in about 14-21 days. Grow in full sun in light, well-drained sandy or gravelly soil at pH 6.5-7.0.

Fertilizing

Rosemary thrives on lean soil. Plants in the ground generally need no feeding, and in well-amended soil added fertilizer may be unnecessary. For container plants from the second year on, apply a light sprinkling of general-purpose granular feed once in late spring or early summer. Avoid rich feeding, which produces soft, disease-prone growth.

Care

Pot seedlings on individually once they show about 4 true leaves, and transplant outdoors only after the last frost. Water regularly to keep the root ball moist in the first year; afterwards rosemary is drought-tolerant and needs little water. Avoid waterlogging, which causes root and crown rot. Space perennial plants about 60-90 cm apart. Watch for powdery mildew, rosemary beetle, leafhoppers, scale and spittlebugs. Trim lightly after flowering, but never into old, leafless wood.