Spring care for rosemary. Growing a healthy plant is easy

A beautiful, healthy rosemary plant is usually the pride of any herb garden. Its scent wafts for miles, and it looks stunning. It can be used in countless dishes. For example, rosemary-roasted potatoes make for an excellent, all-around treat. Rosemary is one of those herbs that can thrive for many years—provided we know how to care for it properly. Like most herbs, it has its own specific needs. We often kill it with too much care. When it comes to caring for this plant, less is more.

Plenty of light and warmth as a foundation

Rosemary originates from the Mediterranean. Logically, it loves the sun and simply cannot do without warmth. It does not like shady locations. In the shade, it withers and does not thrive as we would like. It is usually characterized by pale leaves and minimal aroma, which is why we grow it. At home, rosemary will grow without any problems on a south- or west-facing windowsill or balcony.

Overwatering as a surefire way to kill the plant

Rosemary’s main enemy is overwatering. The plant should only be watered once the soil has dried out completely. Rosemary should never stand in water. Overwatering is one of the most common reasons for the death of rosemary.

Rosemary after winter: Photo Radek Stepan

Soil and pot are important

Light, well-draining soil is ideal for rosemary. It needs perfect drainage. There should be small stones at the bottom of the pot. Heavy and wet soil is a sure path to death for rosemary, as we’ve already mentioned.

How to prune rosemary?

The plant deserves regular pruning. We trim the tips of the shoots themselves. Do not prune into the wood. Besides, it’s not really possible with scissors anyway. Ideally, we should prune now in the spring, but we can also do so during the growing season.This will result in a dense shrub and a greater quantity of beautifully fragrant, prickly leaves.

It hardly needs any fertilizer

That’s right. There’s no need to rush with fertilizing. You can lightly fertilize in the spring, but it’s not necessary. Over-fertilized plants may grow faster, but they lose their flavor.

Don’t forget to protect the plant for winter

It will survive mild winters without any problems. Otherwise, it’s better to move it indoors in its pot. But not near a radiator—rather to a cooler spot. If left in the garden bed, at least cover it with a cloth.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about growing rosemary

What most often leads to the plant’s demise?

Rosemary cannot tolerate waterlogging.

When should rosemary be pruned?

Ideally in the spring, but at any other time as well.

Will rosemary survive the winter?

Only a mild one. It will not survive severe frosts.

Sources: Author, Meta

Rosemary: Photo Radek Stepan