Rosemary, (Salvia Rosmarinus – meaning dew of the sea) is one of the evergreen herbs that can be grown in a container garden.
Just one plant stand of this wonderful herb is enough to give your cooking flavor as well as keep your kitchen smelling awesome.
Growing herbs can be tricky for the novice gardener, but hopefully after reading this article, you’ll know how to keep your rosemary plants happy and healthy. Rosemary plants unlike other herbs are best used when fresh, more reason why a lot of people cultivate it in their gardens.
Why We Love Rosemary
So many reasons to love the Rosemary plant but the number one reason is that the plant had the flavor, scent, and looks to improve our lives. You’re in for a treat once you can grow the Rosemary plant.
Some of the uses of Rosemary includes:
It’s beautiful.
Rosemary is a versatile plant that fits well on a patio or porch, the pot could also be kept on a table in the kitchen or by the window-side. During the festive seasons, Rosemary can be hung as ornamentals around the houses. Most especially during Christmas, as the plant strongly resembles a Christmas tree when it is larger and growing.
Chefs love it.
Rosemary is often used by chefs, foodies, and mixologists to improve the taste of their meals. The herb also gives the meal a unique and appealing aroma.
Rosemary plants unlike other herbs are best used when fresh, more reason why a lot of people cultivate it in their gardens.
It’s great for self-care.
The herb can be infused into essential oils which can be used for spa treatments, scrubs, bath salts, body sprays, etc.
Things To Consider When Growing Your Rosemary In Container Gardens
Rosemary thrives well in containers and pots when it is properly managed. As long as the climate remains optimal, the plant stays evergreen.
Soil
Rosemary plants grow well in sandy, and well-draining soil.
Some prefer to grow their Rosemary plants through soilless mediums with pots and containers. This way they do not need soil, rather they use potting mixtures. For rosemary container gardens, a good quality potting mixture is needed. The mixture must include ingredients like peat moss or fine bark, as well as perlite or vermiculite. These ingredients will ensure the plant has its required nutrients.
Size Of The Pot
The dimensions of the pot determine if the rosemary plants will be able to thrive. The space provided in a pot affects the health and rate of growth of the rosemary plants.
To select a pot, the age of the plant has to be considered. A big pot for a very young plant may cause the plants to be infected with foot-rot, while a small pot for a matured rosemary will cause growth to cease.
A medium-size rosemary plant— 70-80cm — will grow best in a pot with dimensions 14 inches diameter with a depth of 10-12 inches.
As the plant grows, you can transplant it to a bigger pot so it can stretch it legs (or roots!) 😉
Where to grow Rosemary
The pot has to be kept in a warm spot. Rosemary plants grow well when given at least six hours of sunlight daily. So, it is best to keep the pot under indirect sunlight when it is indoors. A window facing the south would be perfect, however, you have to monitor the plants when the weather gets too hot.
When the pot is outdoors, it has to be moved indoors when the ambient temperature dips below 30 degrees. Rosemary plants can tolerate high temperatures during the summer, but they have to be taken indoors during winter.
How Often To Water Potted Rosemary
The water requirement for rosemary plants depends on their stage of growth. Newly planted rosemary plants need to be watered consistently throughout the first growing season.
From the second season, its water requirements reduce significantly. At this point you only water when the soil is dry.
Water sparingly when the pot is indoors. Overwatering potted rosemary plants might harm the plant.
Start Your Indoor Herb Garden in Dayton, Ohio!
Stop by Stockslager’s Greenhouse and Garden Center near Dayton Ohio for all your herb gardening, potting, and soil needs. Ask any member of our experienced staff if you have any questions. Our goal is for you to succeed!
