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Crop Guide

How to grow rosemary

Herb · Very drought-tolerant · Perennial · Frost-sensitive

Primary source · UMN Extension
Rosemary
Brad FerradaWritten by Brad Ferrada, who built Garzed · planting data from university extensions
Moisture range
15–35%
Days to maturity
80–100
Light
Full sun
Growing Degree Units
900 · base 50°F
When to plant rosemary in your zone
Indoor-start, transplant and harvest dates calibrated to your climate.
See planting calendar →

Growing notes

Rosemary is a tender perennial herb that is not winter-hardy in Minnesota but thrives in hot, sunny Minnesota summers. It should be grown in unglazed clay pots and brought indoors during winter.

Harvest signs

Many herbs will have the best flavor if harvested just before flowering

Planting referencepH, light
pH range
6–7.5
Light
Full sun (6+ hr direct)
Pests & diseasesroot rots
Common diseases · 1
Root rots: Root rots are the most common problem of herbs grown indoors

Companions & antagonists

Plant near:BeansBrassica
Tip: Protect from hard freezes in Zone 5b.

Common questions

How much water does rosemary need?

Rosemary has middle-of-the-road water needs. Aim to keep soil moisture around 15–35%, letting the top inch dry slightly between waterings rather than staying soggy.

Can I grow rosemary in a raised bed or container?

Rosemary is a perennial that stays put for years, so give it a permanent in-ground spot or a large, deep container it can live in long-term.

Does rosemary come back every year?

Yes — rosemary is a perennial. Plant it once and it comes back each year, so pick a spot it can keep for several seasons.