Rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub with tough, needle-like leaves and an incredible aroma. The flavor is reminiscent of pine mint and is ideal for fresh or dried to flavor meats, soups, and stews. Well-drained soil works well for free-flowing rosemary seeds.Rosemary's Latin name means sea dew, as it grows on the rocky slopes of the Mediterranean coast. Medieval brides often added Rosemary to their bouquets to bring them happiness, protection, and love. According to legend, the rosemary flowers were originally white but changed their sky-blue color due to the cloak of the Virgin Mary during her flight to Egypt. Rosemary is grown for curling bushes and hedges, as well as for making fragrant garlands and wreaths. It is used for medicinal purposes and aromatherapy, and it relieves headaches, tension, depression, or fatigue. Rosemary oil is added to massage oil for rheumatism or joint pain. The dosage is not safe for pregnant women, but regular culinary use is permissible.
How to grow Rosemary from seeds:
- Sowing: Growing Rosemary from seeds is a long process, so start growing them indoors 5-6 months before trаnsplanting. Рress the seeds into the soil and place them in a sunny place; keep the soil moist, and the temperature at 65-70 degrees F. Germination occurs up to a month with a low percentage of seed emergence. Transplant the plants when they are large enough, and the frost is gone, into light soil and full sun, 18-24 ″ apart. Rosemary grows well in dry and stony soils and is easy to propagate by cuttings. It grows just as well as a container plant, especially in winter.
- Plant Spacing: 8-24″. Plаnt at 8-10″ if growing as an annual. Plant at 24-36″ if growing as a pеrennial.
- Growing of Rosemary: Once rooted, rosemary does not require watering or fertilization. If over-watered, the plant can develop root rоt. Prune rosemary after flowering to prevent erratic, unhealthy growth.
- Rosemary Soil Requirements for: Grows the best in light, well-drained soil.
- Rosemary Seeds Days to Germination: 21-30 days.
- Light Preference of Rosemary: Sun.
- Life Cycle of Rosemary: Tender Perennial.
- How and When to Harvest Rosemary: When the plant takes root, harvest fresh leaves as desired; the peak of aroma is reached just before the flowering of the plant. Rоsemary can be dried or frozen for later use. The leaves should be dried quickly to maintain their color and aroma.
- Rosemary Days to Maturity: 80-100 days stem tips; 120-180 days bunches.
- Rosemary's Seed Saving: Remove the seed heads individually when they are brown and dry, and spread them out until completely dry, away from direct sunlight. Thresh the seeds by rubbing or shaking the heads and remove as much trash as possible. Stоre seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
FAST FACTS:
- Common Names: Rosemary, Anthos
- Latin Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
- Species Origin: Mediterranean, Africa, Europe, Western Asia
- Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- Seeds per Ounce: 25,000
- Stratification: No Stratification
- Germination Ease: No Stratification
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height: 40 Inches
- Color: Green
- Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
- Uses: Culinary, Medicine, Deer Resistant, Attracts Butterflies, Aromatic