When to plant Rosemary in London

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

Add to garden

Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Sow indoors April, plant out June to July, harvest July to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Take Cuttings

    4 Apr to 25 Apr

    Take spring heel cuttings around 4th April - 25th April. Pull off non-flowering side shoots with a small heel attached. Insert them into free-draining compost. Keep them just moist, not wet.

    • A bought young plant is a quicker route. Growing from seed is another route.

  2. 02

    Pot On Rooted Cuttings

    9 May to 13 Jun Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Once roots fill the pot, move each cutting into its own container from 9th May. Use a gritty mix and handle the stems gently so the young roots are not damaged.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    23 May to 4 Jul Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Set young plants outside for short periods from 23rd May, 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

    6 Jun to 25 Jul

    Plant into well-drained soil or a larger pot from 6th June, but only when the cutting is strongly rooted. Otherwise overwinter it somewhere frost-free and plant it out next spring. Water in, then let the compost dry slightly before watering again.

  5. 05

    Pinch and Water Sparingly

    6 Jun to 24 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    If growth is leggy, pinch out soft tips from 6th June to 24th August. Never cut into old wood. Water only when the compost has dried a little. Do not feed heavily.

  6. 06

    First Harvest

    6 Jul to 22 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pick small amounts from 6th July once the plant is well established. Do not cut into old bare wood.

    • Established rosemary can be picked all year. The best soft growth comes in late spring and summer.

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.