Summary:
A quick dive into rosemary’s history, how to grow it, and some of its powerhouse medicinal uses.
Table of Contents
- What is Rosemary?
- Where Did It Originate?
- How to Grow Rosemary (Quick Overview)
- Soil
- Container
- Fertilizer
- Sun
- Water
- Pests
- Pruning/Harvesting
- Some Uses of Rosemary
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows year-round, year after year. You’ve probably smelled it before—super piney and fragrant. It looks a bit like pine too, but surprise! It’s actually part of the mint family, just like lavender.
This herb is easily one of my top five favorites. It smells divine, tolerates neglect (perfect for the lazy gardener), and has a whole list of health benefits. From boosting mental clarity and mood to helping with hair growth, rosemary is kind of a superstar.
I always recommend herbs for first-time gardeners—they’re useful in the kitchen and usually very easy to grow. Rosemary especially gets my stamp of approval for lazy gardeners. No judgment. We all have our seasons.
Where Did It Originate?
Rosemary comes from the Mediterranean, where it grows wild on dry hillsides under the sun. Because of this, it’s heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and basically unfazed by pests thanks to its strong aroma.
This herb has been around for over 5,000 years, cultivated for everything from cooking to medicine to love spells (yes, really).
In ancient Egypt, rosemary was buried with the dead as a symbol of remembrance. In ancient Greece, students braided it into their hair to help with memory. And in medieval Europe, newlyweds would plant rosemary for good luck. Romantic and practical.
Today, it’s most commonly used as a hair oil for growth. But it’s also antimicrobial and helpful for mental clarity and depression when used in moderation.
How to Grow Rosemary (Quick Overview)
Let’s start here: rosemary is super hardy. It lasts for years and is very forgiving. Whether you’re a newbie gardener or someone just not ready to commit to a garden full of vegetables—this herb is for you.
How to Start Your Rosemary Plant
You’ve got a few options:
Cuttings
Take a sprig from an existing plant—or even from store-bought rosemary—and pop it in water or soil until it grows roots. So simple.
Want a full guide? Check out my post on growing from cuttings.
Seeds
Seeds are inexpensive and can grow you a whole rosemary forest for just a few bucks. But fair warning: they take longer to germinate and need more TLC.
Starter Plants
Grab a small rosemary plant from a local nursery—bonus points if it’s organic and suited for your growing zone. Skip the big box stores when you can; quality matters for long-term plant health.
Taking Care of Rosemary in 3 Easy Steps
Once you’ve got your plant, the care part is pretty breezy. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Soil
Rosemary loves dry, well-draining soil. Think desert vibes. I grow mine in containers, so I mix in lots of perlite to keep it airy. If you’re in a rainy area, cactus soil mix is your new best friend.
2. Placement (Sunlight)
Sun is rosemary’s BFF. Give it the sunniest spot you’ve got—it thrives under full sun all day long. That said, it’ll still grow in partial shade.
3. Pruning = Harvesting
Because it grows year-round, rosemary needs regular pruning to stay bushy and healthy. The great part? Pruning means harvesting.
- For small plants: prune once a month
- For larger plants: every 2 weeks or even weekly
- Pro tip: Never take more than ⅔ of the plant—leave enough foliage so it can still photosynthesize
Other Factors to Consider
Container Growing
Rosemary does well in containers, especially if you don’t have a garden bed. Use at least a 1-gallon container for regular varieties (bigger is better!). Dwarf varieties can be happy in smaller pots.
Fertilizer
This plant doesn’t need much. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually harm it. Just sprinkle some compost or worm castings every now and then to support healthy roots and good soil microbes.
Pests
Thanks to its strong scent, rosemary doesn’t attract many pests. This makes it an awesome companion plant—especially for tomatoes.
That said, in humid climates you might see powdery mildew or spider mites. For that, try neem oil or a gentle insecticidal soap.
Some Uses of Rosemary
Culinary, medicinal, and even magical—rosemary wears many hats.
- Add it to roasted veggies, poultry, or bread (check out my rosemary salt recipe)
- Brew it into tea for mental clarity
- Infuse it in oil to stimulate hair growth
- Use it in homemade cleaning sprays for an antimicrobial boost
Whether you’re new to gardening or a total green thumb, rosemary deserves a spot in your space. It’s low-maintenance, long-lasting, and incredibly useful. With just a little care, it’ll give back for years to come.
So go ahead—get yourself some rosemary. Your kitchen, your hair, and your nervous system will thank you!
