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How to Grow Rosemary?

One of the superstitions attached to Rosemary is that it brings pleasant surprises to those who grow it. This herb originated on the coasts of the Mediterranean, and its Latin name Rosmarinus, meaning 'Dew of the Sea' was due to the fact that the plant grew within range of the sea spray. The evergreen plants have a distinctive spicy aroma, particularly after a shower of rain. Because it IS a favorite with bees, Rosemary is worth planting in the garden to help with the fertilization of fruit and vegetable flowers, quite apart from its culinary value.

Growing Rosemary Outdoors

Rosemary will grow outdoors into a shrub 2/3 to 1 metre tall, with attractive, pointed, evergreen leaves. It prefers a light, well-drained soil in a sheltered but sunny position. The plants will benefit from some lime in the soil; try adding some crushed eggshells to the soil round the plants, and re-cycle your eggshells at the same time!

The shrubs should not need pruning back provided sprigs are regularly cut for use in the kitchen. Sow the seeds in April or May in shallow drills, or take cuttings in August or September. The cuttings should be about 15 cms long, potted up in seed compost mixed with a sprinkling of sand.

Growing Rosemary Indoors

Cold, frosty weather may destroy any Rosemary bushes growing outside, so it is as well to have at least one plant growing indoors. This can be from a cutting or a seed, and although Rosemary is difficult to raise from seed, it is well worth experimenting with a few. These plants will always be better than those raised from cuttings.

When sowing Rosemary seed indoors, sprinkle thinly on seed-sowing compost, mixed with a little sand, in Jiffy pots. When the seedlings are a few inches high, the entire pot can be planted outside without checking the seedlings' growth. Avoid transplanting until late spring, when the weather has warmed up. Water the seedlings sparingly but do not allow the soil to dry out.

Rosemary grown indoors can be clipped back to a compact shape and will make an attractive plant to keep on the kitchen window-sill. Whenever possible, put the plant in the sun near an open window to absorb the warmth and fresh air. A plant indoors will also benefit if its leaves are sprayed with water occasionally. Apart from this, give a little water each day, and add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to the water every two or three week's.

For Flower-arranging

Sprays of Rosemary's narrow, evergreen leaves, starred with tiny, pale-blue flowers, will improve most low-level flower arrangements, as well as providing a resinous perfume to the room.

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