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Growing and Caring for Rosemary Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis
February 7, 1999

This christmas I bought my daughter a small rosemary plant at Lowes, it smelled great during December but, come Jan. it appears to be dried up, very brittle , and no green on it whatsoever, should I throw it out or will it come to life this spring? I retrieved it from them now it is in my care the first thing I did was trim, the soil was very moist so I let it go, what is the outcome of this poor plant?

Rosemary

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial herb which does best with at least four hours of direct sunlight each day. In warm climates, rosemary should be planted outdoors in well-drained soil and full sun, spacing plants 2 to 3 feet apart. In cold climates, grow your rosemary plant in a pot so it may be brought indoors during winter, where it should be placed in a sunny window or under flourescent grow lights. Night temperatures should be on the cool side (about 50° to 55°) and day temperatures should be 68° to 72°.

Well-drained soil or potting mix are essential, to prevent root rot. Once established, rosemary needs very little water to survive, so be sure to allow the soil to dry before watering. Rosemary will not do well outdoors in wet climates. Feed once a month during the growing season with dilute, all purpose fertilizer, and if needed prune lightly for shape.

Rosemary may be propagated by seeds, by cuttings taken in August, layering (peg a section of the stem to the ground, where it will root, then once rooted you may sever the new start from the parent plant), or by root division in the spring.

Don't give up on your plant, keep it trimmed back, and somewhat dry, and hopefully this spring it will return to life.

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