Rosemary
Select Your Climate
Rosemary is a drought-tolerant herb with myriad uses in the kitchen. It grows well in most climates but likes to be kept on the drier side. Grow it in a pot in the tropics and subtropics and move it under cover when it’s wet.
When to plant/sow in zone:
Requirements:
Good drainage; sun and warmth; prefers it on the dry side. Great in pots.
Soil:
Very well-drained soil. Don't add compost or manure.
How to start: SEED: Best sown in punnets or 10cm pots, into seed-raising mix. Sow 3mm deep. Germinates in 15-25 days, be sure to keep moist during this period. SEEDLING: Plant outside when seedlings are 5-10cm+ tall. Can be grown in a 20-30cm pot in premium potting mix. CUTTING: Strike cuttings in small pots in seed-raising mix. A 14cm diameter pot can hold 8-10 cuttings. Take softwood cuttings in mid to late spring; semi-hardwood cuttings in late autumn to early winter. Best taken when the plant isn't in flower. Cut 10–15cm lengths of stem. Strip foliage from the bottom half of the stem, before dipping the end into hormone powder or honey. Use a pencil to insert a hole in the potting mix. Pop in the cutting and firm the soil around it. When all cuttings are in, water the pot. Cover the pot with a plastic bag, using coat-hanger wire as a frame. Keep the pot in a warm spot out of direct sun. Keep it moist but not wet. Roots should grow in 4-8 weeks.
How to grow: Keep on the drier side - rosemary doesn't like to be too wet. Apply seaweed solution or liquid fertiliser fortnightly. If soil is poor, apply organic fertiliser pellets monthly.
When to harvest: Harvest rosemary from 6 weeks, when it's needed. Regular harvesting or tip pruning ensures good shape and vigorous new growth.
Troubleshooting:
Aphids; spider mite; powdery mildew
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