Herb Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 7 - 11
- Height: 12 - 36 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring
- Bloom Color: Purple
- Environment: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 6.6 - 7.8
- Deer Resistant: Yes
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 65 - 85F
- Average Germ Time: 14 - 28 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: Press seed onto surface of soil, do not cover seed
- Sowing Rate: 1 seed per inch, approximately 1000 seeds covers 20 square feet
- Moisture: Keep moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: Rows 18 inches a part; thin seedlings 12 inches
Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis) - An easy to grow perennial herb that enhances many foods including breads, vegetables and meats. It is also attractive and great to use for landscaping. Grow Rosemary from herb seed to create a ground cover that spreads vigorously and is highly resistant to deer, drought and pests. Imagine a stand of rosemary tumbling over a low wall or spreading across the dry, sun-soaked ground in your garden! This tough little garden gem is one of the most ornamental plants around, yet there is no beating its usefulness when sheer coverage and plenty of color is needed.
In summer, deep blue-violet flowers arise in great masses, and the rich color stays true even in the hottest days, refusing to bleach or fade. A superb ground cover for hot, dry locations, its habit is low and mounding, only 12 to 36 inches high but spreading vigorously 18 to 36 inches a year. Rosemary can also be kept in a container to be brought indoors during the winter. Rosemary can be shaped and manicured to promote a more attractive, compact addition to your herb garden or container.
Some gardeners soak the Rosemary seeds before sowing to help prime the seed. Sow the herb seed on the surface of the soil (indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last frost) or outdoors when temperatures have warmed up. Do not cover the Rosemary seeds as light is needed for germination. For harvesting, flavor is best before plant blooms. Clip leaves and sprigs as needed and use fresh, or dry for later use. Leaves may be frozen as well.
Approximately 1000 seeds covers 20 square feet.
