🌿 Rosemary (Herb) Plant — Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary is a fragrant, evergreen herb cherished for its needle-like leaves, culinary versatility, and refreshing aroma. Native to the Mediterranean, it’s both beautiful and practical — thriving as a potted indoor herb, a sunny windowsill accent, or a hardy garden shrub. With the right care, rosemary grows vigorously and rewards you with fresh, flavorful sprigs year-round.

🔆 Light Requirements

• Ideal Light: Full sun for at least 6–8 hours daily ensures compact growth and intense flavor.

• Tolerates: Bright, indirect light indoors, though growth may become lanky.

• Avoid: Low-light conditions — insufficient sunlight leads to weak stems and sparse leaves.

💧 Watering Guidelines

• When to Water: Let the top 2–3 cm (1 in) of soil dry between waterings. Water thoroughly, then drain any excess.

• Frequency: About once every 5–7 days in spring and summer; reduce to every 2–3 weeks in winter when growth slows.

• Important: Rosemary dislikes soggy soil. Consistently wet roots can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.

🌾 Soil & Potting

• Soil: Use a well-draining mix — cactus/succulent mix or regular potting soil with added sand or perlite works well. Good drainage mimics its native rocky hillsides.

• Pot: A terra-cotta pot with drainage holes is ideal. Terra-cotta helps wick away excess moisture and keeps the root zone airy.

🌱 Fertilization

• Feed: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring–summer).

• Avoid: Overfertilizing, which can make the plant leggy and reduce essential oil concentration. Skip feeding in fall and winter.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune: Regularly snip soft stems to encourage branching and maintain a compact shape. Major pruning can be done in early spring.

• Harvesting: Pick sprigs often — light harvesting actually promotes bushier growth.

• Repotting: Every 2–3 years in late winter or early spring, moving up just one pot size at a time.

🪴 Humidity & Temperature

• Humidity: Prefers dry to moderate air; avoid overly humid spaces to prevent mildew.

• Temperature: Thrives in 15–27 °C (59–80 °F). Protect from frost — if grown outdoors, bring it inside before temperatures drop below 5 °C (41 °F).

✅ Why Choose a Rosemary Plant?

🌿 Fragrant & Flavorful: Adds a burst of aroma and taste to roasts, breads, and teas.
✨ Attractive Evergreen: Its fine, needle-like leaves give it a refined, Mediterranean charm.
🏡 Low Maintenance: Once established, rosemary is drought-tolerant and resilient.
🌞 Sun-Loving Herb: Perfect for sunny windowsills, patios, or herb gardens.