Rosemary

Overview: Rosemary is a member of the mint family known for its fragrant leaves and purple/blue flowers. Similar to lavender, it is idigenous to the Meditereanean region of Europe. 

History: Rosemary is native to coastal regions of the Mediteranean. A common mythology associated with Rosemary is the flight out of Egypt, when Mary washed the clothes of Jesus and laid them on an "evil smelling" bush. Some may argue that it's aroma is far from evil, as it has been used for aromatherapy purposes for centuries. Rosemary was an ancient symbol of fidelity and remembrance. 

Uses: Rosemary has many uses including but not limited to-

• a spice used in cooking

• source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds

• fragrance for soaps and cosmetics

Recipes:

• Rosemary olive oil focaccia (my favorite, very easy): https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/rosemary-focaccia-bread/

• Rosemary Grapefruit drink (non-alcoholic): https://lmld.org/rosemary-grapefruit-mocktail/

• Rosemary Roasted  Potatoes: https://www.acouplecooks.com/rosemary-recipes/

General Plant Information:

• Common Name: Rosemary

• Scientific Name:  Salvia Rosmarinus

• Planting Zone: 8 and 9

• Plant Type: Perrenial

• Pot size: at least 12 inches across

• Days to Germinate: 2-4 weeks

• Planting Depth: 2-4 inches

• Seed Spacing: 18-36 inches between plants

• Sun Requirements: Full sun

• Water Requirements: moderate, water when soil is dry to touch. Plant in well-draining soil

• Plant Size: up to 6 feet tall! Will be smaller depending on how long you allow it to grow and it's surroundings

• Days to Harvest: about 6 weeks

• Harvesting Code: Yellow ( moderate difficulty)

• Growing Code: White (easy difficulty)

Planting Instructions: 

• Plant seeds indoors in early spring (Feb-March)

• barely cover with soil

• apply bottom heat

• use a well-draining soil (loamy)

• transplant outdoors after the first frost, when temperatures are above freezing (April-May)

Harvesting:

•  Wait until late spring or summer.

• select branches to harvest (about 8 inches tall)

• cut off about 2 to 3 inches of the top of the sprig with sharp shears, leaving at least 3/4 of the bush to continue growing

• Use the rosemary to cook, make cosmetics, or simply enjoy the scent!

Seed Harvesting:

• Watch for seed pods to form and dry out (seed picture below)

• Collect the dried seed pods

• Allow to dry more in a paper bag

• After about two weeks, rub the pods to release the seeds.

• Store the seeds somewhere cool and dry until you are ready to plant!

Resources:

• Harvesting seeds: https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Rosemary-from-Seed#:~:text=The%20seed%20pods%20are%20very,to%20keep%20them%20all%20together.&text=Dry%20the%20pods.,them%20to%20a%20paper%20bag.

• General information: https://wikifarmer.com/rosemary-plant-information/

• History: http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/rosemary.html

• How to grow: https://www.almanac.com/plant/rosemary

Page created by Alexandra Bihary