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A rosemary plant in a pot.

How to grow rosemary indoors in your kitchen herb garden

Rosemary, known for its delightful fragrance and culinary versatility, is often spotted growing energetically in suburban gardens. It can also thrive indoors, even in limited urban spaces. Here's how to successfully grow and care for it - and what you can use it for in the kitchen.

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Advice from the experts 👩‍🌾

Elevate self-care with a rosemary-infused bath soak. Tie fresh rosemary sprigs together, hang from your bath faucet, and let the warm water release its soothing scent.

Planting rosemary from seeds

If you're starting from the ground up, cultivating rosemary from seeds offers a truly rewarding experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to set you on the path to success:

  1. Use high quality rosemary seeds

    Embark on your rosemary journey by carefully selecting high-quality seeds, well suited for thriving indoors. Opt for reputable suppliers or nurseries.

    Varieties like 'Tuscan Blue' and 'Arp' stand out as excellent choices for indoor rosemary cultivation. Their resilience and aromatic profiles make them well-suited for the controlled conditions of indoor gardening. These varieties not only promise a delightful fragrance but also provide an abundance of fresh, flavorful leaves to elevate your culinary pursuits.

  2. Nurture the soil

    Set the stage for your rosemary's success by choosing a well-draining potting mix that prioritises both aeration and drainage. Consider premium mixes such as Espoma Organic Potting Mix. The blend's balanced composition ensures proper aeration, preventing the risk of soggy roots that rosemary vehemently dislikes.

  3. Sow the seeds with care

    Plant your chosen rosemary seeds in the selected containers, ensuring a delicate cover of soil. Strike a balance in soil coverage, providing just enough to cradle the seeds without smothering their potential.

    Fresh rosemary leaves

  4. Moisture

    Carefully manage soil moisture without waterlogging. Keep the soil consistently moist, but let it breathe – an essential balance.

  5. Germination

    Now, the stage is set, and your pots are in a sunny spot, basking in at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Now it's just a waiting game! Germination should take place within 2-3 weeks.

  6. Transplanting

    Picture this: your rosemary seedlings, now boasting several sets of leaves, are ready for a grander stage. Move them to larger pots or containers, allowing their roots to stretch and the plant to grow to its full potential.

More herb growing tips

Care guidelines for indoor rosemary

  1. Sunlight

    Place your rosemary in a location that receives a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Whether it's positioned near a sunny window or benefiting from a grow light, providing ample light is fundamental to its health.

  2. Well-draining soil

    Opt for a well-draining potting mix to prevent the risks of overwatering and root rot. Enhance the soil drainage further by incorporating sand or perlite into the mix. This helps create an optimal environment for your rosemary to thrive.

  3. Watering

    Maintain a watering routine that allows the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings. When it's time to water, do so thoroughly, ensuring the plant receives adequate hydration without risking waterlogging. Consistent and mindful watering contributes to the overall health of your rosemary.

    4. A rosemary plant in a pot

  4. Pruning

    Regular pruning is key to encouraging bushy growth. Pinch off the tips of branches regularly to promote branching and uphold the desired shape of your rosemary plant. This practice not only maintains its aesthetic appeal but also stimulates a more robust and productive plant.

  5. Fertilisation

    Feed your rosemary with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). This ensures it receives the necessary nutrients for robust growth. Fertilisation is a proactive measure to support the plant's overall well-being.

    6. Best Gardening Supplies

  6. Pest control

    Keep a vigilant eye for common pests like aphids or spider mites. If any pests are detected, promptly address the issue with suitable treatments to safeguard the plant's health. Regular monitoring and quick intervention are key elements of effective pest control.

  7. Winter care

    Adjust your care routine during winter by reducing watering and fertilization. Rosemary may slow down its growth in cooler, drier indoor conditions, so adapting care practices ensures its well-being. This seasonal adjustment promotes the plant's resilience and prepares it for optimal growth when conditions improve.

By adhering to these precise care instructions, you'll cultivate a robust and flourishing rosemary plant, ready to provide an abundance of fresh herbs for your culinary creations.

Pots of herb plants

Propagating rosemary indoors from cuttings

Propagating rosemary from cuttings is a reliable method to expand your herb garden indoors. Follow these steps:

  1. Selection: Choose a healthy rosemary plant from which to take cuttings.
  2. Cutting: Using clean and sharp pruning shears, cut a 3-4 inch (7.5-10 cm) stem from the parent plant, making the cut just below a leaf node.
  3. Leaf Removal: Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top.
  4. Rooting Hormone (Optional): Dip the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone (optional but can improve success rates).
  5. Planting: Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix. You can also use a mixture of perlite and peat moss for better drainage.
  6. Watering: Water the cutting thoroughly and place it in a location with indirect sunlight.
  7. Maintenance: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  8. Root Development: After a few weeks, you should start to see roots developing. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the young rosemary plant into a larger pot with regular potting soil.

Using rosemary in your kitchen

Rosemary is a versatile herb that can elevate the flavor of your dishes with its aromatic and earthy notes. Whether you're preparing savory meals or delightful desserts, rosemary can be a delightful addition. Here are some popular rosemary varieties and their recommended culinary pairings:

Variety Taste Goes Well With
Common Rosemary Woody, pine-like, and slightly peppery Roasted meats, potatoes, bread, and tomato-based dishes.
Prostrate Rosemary Similar to common rosemary but with a trailing growth habit Ground cover for landscaping, hanging baskets, and ornamental plantings.
Arp Rosemary Mild, slightly sweet, and piney Roasted chicken, lamb, fish, and as a seasoning for soups.
Tuscan Blue Rosemary Strong pine and resin flavor Italian and Mediterranean dishes, lamb, and focaccia bread.

Experiment with different rosemary varieties to discover the unique flavors they bring to your culinary creations. Whether it's enhancing the aroma of roasted meats or adding depth to your bread and potatoes, rosemary is a versatile herb that can take your dishes to the next level.

And that's that! You're now an indoor rosemary growing expert. Check out more guides below to keep your herb garden growing.

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