When to plant Rosemary in the UK

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
Sow indoors May, plant out July to August, harvest August to December.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYes

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Take Cuttings

    early May to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Take spring heel cuttings around early May to late May. 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

    early June to mid-July UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

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

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    late June to early August UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Set young plants outside for short periods from late June, 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

    early July to late August UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant into well-drained soil or a larger pot from early July, 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

    early July to late September UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    If growth is leggy, pinch out soft tips from early July to late September. Never cut into old wood. Water only when the compost has dried a little. Do not feed heavily.

  6. 06

    First Harvest

    early August to late December UK average · set your town for your exact dates Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    Pick small amounts from early August 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.