Rosemaries in Gansclet

Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary
Rosemary · Salvia rosmarinus

A woody, evergreen herb for a warm, sunny spot in free-draining soil or a pot. It grows well in most UK gardens if the roots stay on the dry side and winter wet is kept off the plant.

120 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Calibrated to Gansclet · last frost ≈ 28 May

Sow indoors April to July, plant out July, September to October, harvest October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoYesYesNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Rosemary

  1. 01

    Take Cuttings

    28 Apr to 28 Jul

    Take non-flowering shoots and trim them just below a leaf joint. Insert them into free-draining compost around 28th April - 28th July, and keep them just moist, not wet.

  2. 02

    Pot On Rooted Cuttings

    3 Jul to 24 Jul

    Once roots fill the pot, move each cutting into its own container from 3rd July. Use a gritty mix and handle the stems gently so the young roots are not damaged.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    27 Aug to 11 Sept

    Set young plants outside for short periods from 27th August, then leave them out longer over about 10 days. Keep them sheltered from cold wind and bring them in if a late frost is forecast.

  4. 04

    Plant Out

    11 Sept to 11 Oct

    Plant into well-drained soil or a larger pot from 11th September. Water in thoroughly at once, then leave the compost to dry slightly before watering again.

  5. 05

    Pinch and Water Sparingly

    26 Sept to 26 Sept

    Pinch out the soft tips from 26th September to keep plants bushy and stop them becoming leggy. Water only when the compost has dried a little, and avoid feeding heavily because that makes soft growth.

  6. 06

    Harvest Shoots

    4 Oct to 26 Oct

    Pick sprigs regularly from 4th October once plants are well established. Take small amounts at a time, and avoid cutting back into old bare wood as it may not reshoot well.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Rosemary.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Rosemary to consider

Miss Jessopp's Upright

A classic upright form with strong flavour and good winter hardiness.

Arp

A hardy, upright type that copes well in exposed gardens and cold conditions.

Prostratus

A trailing form suited to pots, raised edges, and cascading over walls.

Tuscan Blue

An upright cultivar with strong growth and pale blue flowers.

Rosemary guides by town

See how Rosemary timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.