Growing Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family

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

(Best months for growing Rosemary in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Sow seed
  • 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

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.
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.
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
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 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?
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
25 Aug 13, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
I need some advice re treatment of mildew (white film) on my rosemary leaves I planted them in pots on a north facing balcony, they are probably 3 months old, so far they have been doing great but up until 1 week ago I noticed this whitish film/ or cotton-like covering some leaves, can anyone suggest any treatment?? I've read so many different things on different forums I just want to get a better plan of action Thanks Andrew
01 May 14, Travis Edwards (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like mites, spray with pyrethrum or white oil and water them less if it is mildew. Rosemary likes a semi arid environment. white oil should help with insects and mildew somewhat or even try olive oil sprayed on it lightly
15 Jun 13, john hanson (Australia - temperate climate)
I want to plant rosemary or another fast growing plant in a plater box approx 700mm long by 300mm x 300mm is this sufficient
Showing 31 - 40 of 47 comments

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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. GardenGrow 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.
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