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Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Herb

Rosemary is a drought-tolerant Mediterranean perennial whose piney scent powerfully deters carrot fly, bean beetles, and cabbage pests. It thrives in lean, well-draining soil and can live for decades in the right conditions.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Low

Soil

Well-draining, lean sandy or loamy soil; pH 6.0–8.0

Spacing

24–36 inches

Days to Maturity

Harvest lightly from year 1; full harvest from year 2

Growing Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Thrives in USDA Zones 7–11

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Keep Away From

When to Plant

  • Transplant

    Spring after last frost; or autumn in mild climates

  • Harvest

    Harvest tips of young growth; never cut back into old wood

Organic Growing Tips

  • Plant at the edges of vegetable beds to create an aromatic boundary that confuses and repels flying pests.

  • Never overwater — rosemary is killed far more often by waterlogging than by drought.

  • Cut back by one-third after flowering to maintain a compact, productive shrub.

  • Propagate from cuttings in late summer to create free plants for hedging or companion planting.

Common Pests

  • Aphids
  • Rosemary Beetle
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Root Rot

All pest management in Garden uses safe, organic, non-toxic methods only. No synthetic pesticides, ever.