Rosemaries in Garnant

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 Garnant · last frost ≈ 26 Apr

Sow indoors March to June, plant out June, August to September, harvest September to October. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoYesNoYesYesNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Rosemary

  1. 01

    Take Cuttings

    27 Mar to 26 Jun

    Take non-flowering shoots and trim them just below a leaf joint. Insert them into free-draining compost around 27th March - 26th June, and keep them just moist, not wet.

  2. 02

    Pot On Rooted Cuttings

    1 Jun to 22 Jun

    Once roots fill the pot, move each cutting into its own container from 1st June. Use a gritty mix and handle the stems gently so the young roots are not damaged.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    26 Jul to 10 Aug

    Set young plants outside for short periods from 26th July, 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

    10 Aug to 9 Sept

    Plant into well-drained soil or a larger pot from 10th August. Water in thoroughly at once, then leave the compost to dry slightly before watering again.

  5. 05

    Pinch and Water Sparingly

    25 Aug to 25 Aug

    Pinch out the soft tips from 25th August 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

    24 Sept to 30 Oct

    Pick sprigs regularly from 24th September 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.