Important notes
large amounts / pregnancy: Safe as a culinary herb. Avoid very large amounts or concentrated rosemary oil in pregnancy.
Light
Full sun, 14–16 h of light. Low light makes it sparse.
Watering
Sparingly: water only once the top of the substrate has dried. Waterlogging is the main killer.
Temperature
18–28 °C; warmth-loving, mature plants tolerate light frost.
Humidity
40–55 %. Dry, airy spot.
Target values by method & stage
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6–6.5 | 0.4–0.8 | 20–24 | 18–24 | 50–60 | 14 | 21 |
| Seedling | 6–6.5 | 0.8–1.2 | 18–22 | 18–24 | 45–55 | 14 | 30 |
| Vegetative | 6–7 | 1–1.5 | 18–22 | 18–28 | 40–55 | 14 | 45 |
| Harvest | 6–7 | 1–1.4 | 18–22 | 18–28 | 40–55 | 13 | 45 |
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6.3–6.8 | 0.4–0.8 | — | 18–24 | 50–60 | 14 | 21 |
| Seedling | 6.3–6.8 | 0.8–1.2 | — | 18–24 | 45–55 | 14 | 30 |
| Vegetative | 6.3–7.3 | 1–1.5 | — | 18–28 | 40–55 | 14 | 45 |
| Harvest | 6.3–7.3 | 1–1.4 | — | 18–28 | 40–55 | 13 | 45 |
| Stage | pH | EC (mS/cm) | Water °C | Air °C | Humidity % | Light h | Duration (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germination | 6–6.5 | 0.4–0.8 | 20–24 | 18–24 | 50–60 | 14 | 21 |
| Seedling | 6–6.5 | 0.8–1.2 | 18–22 | 18–24 | 45–55 | 14 | 30 |
| Vegetative | 6–7 | 1–1.5 | 18–22 | 18–28 | 40–55 | 14 | 45 |
| Harvest | 6–7 | 1–1.4 | 18–22 | 18–28 | 40–55 | 13 | 45 |
Common problems
Root rot in wet soil, powdery mildew in still air. Plant very free-draining.
Space & Size
- Final height
- 100 cm
- Final width
- 60 cm
- Spacing
- 50 cm
- Root depth
- 35 cm
- Min. container (Hydro)
- ≥ 6 L
- Min. container (Soil)
- ≥ 10 L
- Min. container (Coco)
- ≥ 8 L
Pests & diseases
| Pest / Disease | Symptom | Organic treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | fine webbing, speckled leaves | raise humidity, predatory mites |
| Rosemary beetle | metallic striped beetles, leaf damage | hand-pick |
| Root rot | browning from waterlogging | gritty mix, water sparingly |
Edible parts
- Leaves · edible from Vegetative
Yield techniques
Harvest young shoot tips; avoid cutting into old wood, which regrows poorly.
Propagation & pollination
- Method
- cutting
- Germination time
- 21 days
- Germination temp
- 18-24 °C
- Pollination
- insect
- Hand pollination needed
- no
easiest from cuttings
Companion planting
🟢 Good neighbours: Coriander (Cilantro), Sage, Bay Laurel
Flavor
resinous, piney, savoury
Storage
Sprigs in the fridge or dried — keeps well.
History
Rosemary ("dew of the sea") comes from the Mediterranean and has symbolised remembrance and loyalty since antiquity.
Nutrition
Rich in antioxidants (rosmarinic acid), supports circulation.
Sources
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