How to Grow and Care for Rosemary

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a hardy, sun-loving Mediterranean herb that thrives on lean soil, full sunlight, and consistent airflow. When grown correctly, it rewards gardeners with intensely aromatic leaves, upright woody stems, and year-round freshness. This CompleteGrow care guide covers soil setup, watering, pruning, and feeding for long-lived, flavour-rich rosemary.

Sunlight & Temperature

Sunlight: 6–8 hours of full sun per day is ideal. Rosemary grown indoors must sit in a bright, north-facing window or under a grow light.
Temperature: Prefers 18–28 °C. Protect from frost or waterlogged winter soil in cooler regions.

Soil Requirements

Drainage is critical: Use a free-draining mix (2 parts premium potting mix : 1 part coarse sand : 1 part perlite).
pH range: 6.0–7.5 is optimal for nutrient uptake and fragrance development.
Avoid heavy clay: It suffocates roots and dulls essential oil concentration.

Quick Tip: Add a handful of small pebbles or coarse gravel at the base of pots to prevent soggy roots and rot — rosemary prefers “dry feet.”

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Watering, Pruning & Seasonal Maintenance

Watering Frequency

Water deeply once the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry. Allow roots to breathe between waterings.
In pots, water slightly more often than garden beds — drainage holes are non-negotiable.
Avoid misting leaves frequently; high humidity encourages mildew.

Pruning & Harvesting

Prune lightly after each flush of growth to keep plants compact and bushy.
Never remove more than one-third of the plant at once; rosemary stores energy in woody stems.
Harvest by snipping non-woody tips. Avoid cutting into thick, old stems — they regrow slowly.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring: Feed fortnightly, prune lightly, and repot if root-bound.
Summer: Maintain deep watering every 7–10 days; avoid midday irrigation.
Autumn: Reduce watering and feeding to monthly; remove dead stems.
Winter: Protect from frost; water sparingly — rosemary dislikes cold, wet roots.

Container vs Ground Plants

Containers: Ideal for control — use breathable terracotta pots for airflow.
In-ground: Space 50–70 cm apart to prevent overcrowding and mildew.

Pro Tip: Occasional root pruning keeps container rosemary youthful. Trim back outer roots every 2 years and refresh one-third of the soil mix.

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Feeding, Propagation & FAQs

Feeding for Strong Aroma

Rosemary thrives with modest feeding. Apply a balanced fertiliser such as CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20 at 5 mL per 2 L every 2 weeks during active growth. Consistent, light nutrition maintains oil concentration, compact form, and vibrant colour without softening stems.

Propagation by Cuttings

Take 8–10 cm semi-hardwood cuttings from non-flowering stems in late spring or early summer.
Remove lower leaves and dip ends in rooting hormone.
Plant in moist perlite : peat mix; cover with humidity dome until rooted (~3–4 weeks).
Transplant once new growth appears, then start a gentle feeding routine.

Common FAQs

Why is my rosemary turning yellow?
Likely due to poor drainage or excess watering. Repot with more sand/perlite and water less frequently.

Can I grow rosemary indoors?
Yes — use bright windows, a fan for airflow, and a grow light in winter to mimic 6–8 hours of sun.

How long does rosemary live?
With regular pruning and repotting, rosemary can thrive for 10 years or more.

CompleteGrow Recommendation

For strong, aromatic growth, feed with CompleteGrow All Purpose Liquid NPK 20-20-20 every 14 days during active growth. This balanced formula keeps rosemary lush, compact, and fragrant through every season.