Growing Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
      S                
        T              

(Best months for growing Rosemary in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Easy to grow. Plant cuttings . Best planted at soil temperatures between 59°F and 68°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 39 - 59 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 1 years. In warmer areas, harvest time might be shorter.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Beans, Carrots, Cabbages, Sage
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

24 Dec 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Read the notes here, there are several tips to follow. Like do not overwater them especially in winter, they are a bit of a tough hardy plant, so don't water as much as some other plants. Have good free draining soil not heavy clay soil. They like sunshine so don't put in a garage, most plants need heaps of sunlight. And if you have lots of frost best to do a few cuttings for the next year.
17 Feb 20, Thomas Norris (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I am in zone 9b. Will rosemary survive all day, 10+ hours of summer sun?
08 Mar 20, Patricia Foster (USA - Zone 9b climate)
We have rosemary planted in the ground. We have had it in full sun as well as in partial shade - it thrives either way. Rosemary will get to be at least three feet tall and may create 3-4 foot diameter bunches so be sure to give it some space.
24 Feb 20, Gracie (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I live in zone 9b, and I have one Rosemary in a container growing nicely. It is a hassle-free herb. I have it outside in a full sun area. I just make sure it gets its water. I also have Basil, this is in partial sun area. It is also a hassle-free herb. Just protect them from bugs.
20 Feb 20, colleen (USA - Zone 10b climate)
It should love that! Make sure it has a gritty, well-draining soil (nutrient-poor is fine), and give it a good soak about once a week, or every few days in a major heat wave. Rosemary is a very tough, easy-to-care for plant once established.
12 Jul 14, sherron hardin (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I saw where you can make a hedge out of Rosemary. Would this be a good suggestion? I have several plants I started from seed because I would like organic herbs. I plant on planting it in my garden as an entrance hedge. Need to know if I am heading in the right direction with this herb. We have four seasons here. Trying to make long lasting decisions. Thanks
12 Mar 14, evelyn (USA - Zone 5b climate)
would like to plant "pinkie" rosemary bush in ground, will it grow in this zone and what precautions would I take for the winter?
Showing 11 - 17 of 17 comments

I live in zone 9b, and I have one Rosemary in a container growing nicely. It is a hassle-free herb. I have it outside in a full sun area. I just make sure it gets its water. I also have Basil, this is in partial sun area. It is also a hassle-free herb. Just protect them from bugs.

- Gracie

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.