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Rosemary Growing Guide
Lamiaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Establishing
- Mature / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 30 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 30 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 6 | May 22 | — | Aug 20 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 16 | Jun 1 | — | Aug 30 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 13 | May 29 | — | Aug 27 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 6 | May 22 | — | Aug 20 |
| Zone 4a | Feb 24 | May 12 | — | Aug 10 |
| Zone 4b | Feb 20 | May 8 | — | Aug 6 |
| Zone 5a | Feb 17 | May 5 | — | Aug 3 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 17 | May 5 | — | Aug 3 |
| Zone 6a | Feb 17 | May 5 | — | Aug 3 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 4 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 21 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Apr 22 | — | Jul 21 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 30 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 25 | Apr 12 | — | Jul 11 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 11 | Mar 29 | — | Jun 27 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 9 | Mar 27 | — | Jun 25 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 30 | Mar 17 | — | Jun 15 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 12 | Feb 27 | — | May 28 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 19 | Feb 4 | — | May 5 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 19 | Feb 4 | — | May 5 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 6 | Jan 22 | — | Apr 22 |
| Zone 12a | Oct 23 | Jan 8 | — | Apr 8 |
| Zone 12b | Oct 23 | Jan 8 | — | Apr 8 |
| Zone 13a | Oct 23 | Jan 8 | — | Apr 8 |
| Zone 13b | Oct 23 | Jan 8 | — | Apr 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Rosemary?
Rosemary takes approximately 90 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Rosemary need?
Rosemary requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Rosemary?
Plant Rosemary at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Rosemary survive frost?
Rosemary is tolerant of light frost.
What are good companion plants for Rosemary?
Good companion plants for Rosemary include Beans, Carrots, Cabbage.
How long does Rosemary take to germinate?
Rosemary seeds germinate in 14-28 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F.
When should I start Rosemary seeds indoors?
Start Rosemary seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 1 week after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Needs excellent drainage; root rot is the primary killer
- In cold climates, grow in containers and overwinter indoors
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and prevent woodiness
Common Pests & Diseases
- Spider mites (especially indoors)
- Powdery mildew
- Root rot
Harvest Notes
Snip sprigs any time from established plants. Harvest up to one-third of the plant at once. Fresh or dried, rosemary retains flavor well.
Plan Your Rosemary Garden
Track Rosemary from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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