Native to the Mediterranean, Rosemary is a highly scented culinary herb with white pink or purple flowers. Rosemary is a great plant to bring bees into the garden and is well suited to be grown in containers, down walls or as a shrub in the garden
Planting Calendar
Rosemary can be planted all through out the year.
Prepare
Position
Rosemary likes a hot sunny spot with good air circulation and room to grow.
Soil
When planted into the ground Rosemary likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost, Sheep Pellets and together into your existing soil. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a slight mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
Feeding
Liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and a healthy immune system. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Protecting
Protect against aphids, mites and caterpillars by spraying with Aquaticus Bugtrol.
Pruning
Trim regularly even if not harvesting as this will encourage new growth.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects
Beginner Tip
When harvesting cut stem off with a sharp pair of secateurs or scissors.
Expert Tip
Do not remove any more than 20% of the plant volume at any one time.
Tip
Regular harvesting will ensure that you get plenty of new growth.
Top Varieties
Rosemary Tuscan Blue
A great upright form ideal for hedging,pots or planted in a border. Prune hard after flowering to encourage new growth. Grows 1m x 1m
Rosemary chef's choice
Is a great one for containers as it is a compact variety. This rosemary has a great flavour and a high oil content. Grows to 0.5 x 0.5
Rosemary prostrata
As the name suggest this is a fantastic variety to grow down banks or walls or as a ground cover and can spread to 2m
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water rosemary?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. If planted in pots never allow the pot to sit in water.
How do I prune rosemary?
Trim regularly even if not harvesting as this will encourage new growth.
How do I propagate rosemary?
Rosemary can be propagated from cuttings. Take a 10-15 cm cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or a well-draining soil mix until roots develop.
Can I use rosemary in cooking?
Rosemary is a popular culinary herb. Its aromatic leaves are used to flavour meats, soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. Fresh or dried leaves can be used.
How do I harvest and store rosemary?
Harvest rosemary by cutting the top few inches of the plant. Use fresh or dry the leaves for later use. To dry, hang the cuttings upside down in a dark, dry place until the leaves are brittle. Store dried rosemary in an airtight container.
