Herb – Rosemary

Description

50 Seeds per pack

Rosemary (A.K.A. Alecrim, Compass Plant, Compass Weed, Encensier, Herbe Aux Couronnes, Old Man, Polar Plant, Romarin, Romarin Des Troubadours, Romero, Rose de Marie, Rose Des Marins, Rosée De Mer, Rosemarine, Rusmari, Rusmary)

Days to Maturity 80-100 Days (tips), 120-180 Days (bunching)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Botanical Name: (Salvia rosmarinus — previously known as Rosmarinus officinalis)

Native to the sunny, rocky shores of the Mediterranean, rosemary has been cherished since the days of ancient Greece and Rome. Its name, derived from the Latin “ros marinus” or “dew of the sea,” speaks to its coastal origins. This aromatic, evergreen shrub can reach heights of 5 feet over several years, but it is easily kept compact through pruning and is often shaped into low hedges or container specimens.

With narrow, pine needle-like leaves covered in a waxy coating, rosemary forms dense, woody branches. Rosemary is a resilient plant that thrives in full sun and tolerates dry, poor soil. Its earthy, woodsy flavor hints at pepper, lemon, and mint, offering a bold accent that complements other Mediterranean herbs.

A favored culinary herb, rosemary adds depth to a range of dishes, from roasted meats – especially poultry – and potatoes to breads and vegetables. It can be brewed into teas or used in aromatic oils. It stores well when dried, keeping its flavor and potency for months.

Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin B6, rosemary also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It may support memory, mood, and cognitive function, promote skin health, and shows promise for neurological protection and potential anti-cancer effects based on early research.

Known for its pain-relieving and antibacterial properties, it is also used in aromatherapy, topical preparations, and even as a natural remedy for stimulating hair growth, easing headaches, improving circulation, and repelling certain insects. Often found in shampoos, it supports scalp health and hair vitality.

Packed with vitamin B6, iron, and calcium, rosemary is both a flavorful and healthful addition to any herb garden.

Disease Resistance: Highly salt and drought tolerant; resistant to damage by deer.

Caution and Disclaimer:
Although rosemary has a long history of culinary and traditional use, and is generally safe when used in food, caution is advised when taking it in concentrated forms. It should not be taken as a supplement by pregnant or nursing women, as high doses may increase the risk of miscarriage. Individuals with high blood pressure, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis should not use rosemary supplements without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.

Taking large quantities may lead to side effects such as vomiting, increased sensitivity to sunlight, or skin irritation. When used topically, rosemary oil is possibly safe for most individuals, though allergic reactions may occur. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using rosemary medicinally or as a supplement. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare professional.

Planting Instructions for Rosemary Seeds

When to Plant:
Start rosemary seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before your last spring frost date. In most regions, this means sowing between mid-February and April. Rosemary is very slow to germinate and mature, so early indoor planting is essential for giving seedlings a head start.

How to Plant:
Soak rosemary seeds in water for 6–12 hours before planting to improve germination. Fill seed trays or small pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix. Press seeds lightly into the surface—do not cover, as rosemary needs light to germinate. Mist the surface to keep it moist, then cover with a clear lid or plastic wrap to retain humidity. Place on a heating mat to maintain a soil temperature of 65–70°F. Germination can take 15–24 days or longer.

Indoor Care:
Keep seedlings in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings—rosemary does not like to stay wet. Thin seedlings once they have two sets of true leaves, keeping the strongest plant in each cell or pot.

Transplanting Outdoors:
Once seedlings are at least 3″ tall and the danger of frost has passed, begin hardening them off by setting them outdoors for increasing lengths of time over 7–10 days. Transplant into the garden in full sun, spacing plants 18–24″ apart in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Rosemary thrives in sandy or gritty soil. If your winters are harsh (zones 6 and below), plant in a container so it can be brought indoors in winter.

Container Growing:
Choose a pot with excellent drainage—terra cotta works well. Use cactus mix or amend potting soil with sand or perlite. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Rosemary in containers may benefit from being placed near rocks, stones, or masonry to mimic its native warm climate.

Ongoing Care:
Rosemary prefers dry conditions—avoid overwatering and allow soil to dry between waterings. In early spring, prune back any dead wood. Fertilize during the growing season with a safe, high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer or top-dress with compost. Outdoors, mulch lightly in late fall or overwinter near a sunny, south-facing wall.

Harvesting:
Harvest sparingly in the first year. Once established, cut sprigs as needed, ideally from tender new growth for the best flavor. Use sharp scissors or garden snips. Never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Storage: To dry rosemary, rinse sprigs and pat them dry with paper towels. Tie them together at the base and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area for about two weeks. You may dry them indoors or outdoors, but if outside, cover the bundle loosely with a ventilated paper bag to protect from dust and pests. Once the needles are brittle and begin to fall off easily, remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.

You can also dry rosemary using a dehydrator set to 95–115°F (or up to 125°F in humid conditions) for 1–4 hours, or bake them at your oven’s lowest setting with the door propped open for 2–4 hours, until the needles fall off the stems with ease.

Store dried rosemary whole in airtight containers away from heat and light. For best flavor, crush only when ready to use. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are ideal. Properly stored, dried rosemary can retain its potency for up to a year. Fresh sprigs may also be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel and sealed in a plastic bag, for up to two weeks.

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