Rosemary

Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Plant type: Herb [3]

USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 [4], 7 [5], 8 [6], 9 [7]

Sun exposure: Full Sun [8]

Soil type: Sandy [9], Loamy [10]

Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub with blue flowers. It is a pungent and distinctive plant with a sweet, resinous flavor. Rosemary is ideal for a rock garden or the top of a dry wall. It is used for poultry, lamb, stews, and soups.

Planting

• For a head start, plant the seeds or cuttings indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.
• Plant the seeds/cuttings in well-drained soil. For best growth, the soil should be around 70ºF.
• Be sure to give your plants enough room to grow. Rosemary grows to about 4 feet tall and spreads about 4 feet as well.
• In the garden, plant near beans, cabbage, carrots, and sage.

Care

• After the plant flowers, remember to trim the plant.
• For fresh rosemary in the winter, grow the plant indoors in a pot. Be sure to put it in bright light and cool temperatures.
• Prune regularly so that the plant won't get lanky.
• Water the plants evenly throughout the growing season.
• Be sure to get cuttings or divide the plant for next season.

Pests

• Aerial blight
• Bacterial leaf spots
• Several types of root rot

Harvest/Storage

• Prune the stems to use fresh. During the winter, bring a rosemary plant indoors.
• You can dry the leaves as well and store in an airtight container.

Recipes

• Marinated Rosemary Chicken [11]
• Grilled Rosemary Lamb [12]

Wit & Wisdom

Drink rosemary tea to enhance your memory.