How to Grow Rosemary
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Your Rosemary dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun (6+ hours)
Water
Low (drought tolerant)
Spacing
24" apart
Depth
0.25" deep
Height
2-4 ft
Germination
14-21 days
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Common Rosemary Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Tuscan Blue
Vigorous upright rosemary with large, intensely fragrant leaves — excellent for cooking.
Arp
One of the most cold-hardy rosemaries, surviving to Zone 6 with protection.
Blue Spires
Tall, upright variety with blue-toned flowers; fragrant and great for hedges.
Prostrate (Irene)
Low-growing trailing rosemary that cascades over walls and containers beautifully.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
Seed Saving Guide
ModerateWhen to Harvest Seed
Collect seeds from dried flower clusters in late summer after flowering.
Processing
Strip dried flower clusters, separate seeds from chaff. Surface sow — seeds need light to germinate.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Rosemary seed germination rates are low (20–30%). Stem cuttings give far more reliable results.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 8 plants of Rosemary. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Rosemary Planting Calendar by Zone
Rosemary Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rosemary? +
Start Rosemary seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Rosemary take to grow? +
Rosemary typically matures in about 120 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Rosemary indoors or direct sow? +
Rosemary should be started indoors 10 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Rosemary need? +
Rosemary requires full sun (6+ hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Rosemary? +
Space Rosemary plants 24 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Rosemary need? +
Rosemary has low (drought tolerant) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Rosemary? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Rosemary is rated moderate. Collect seeds from dried flower clusters in late summer after flowering. Strip dried flower clusters, separate seeds from chaff. Surface sow — seeds need light to germinate.
How long do Rosemary seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Rosemary seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Rosemary seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Rosemary is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Rosemary
Woody perennial herb for Mediterranean dishes. Excellent in containers; bring indoors in cold climates.
Expect your Rosemary to be ready for harvest in approximately 120 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.