Rosemary is typically grown from stem cuttings but in this video we will be
growing rosemary from seeds. We will go over the entire process, so let's get started.
Starting rosemary from the seeds can be tricky as germination rates are usually poor
but with patience this is a very rewarding process. The germination can take up to 25 days
hence start the process about 3 months before the warm weather arrives.
Sow the seeds in very light potting mix and cover it lightly with the potting mix.
Germination rate for rosemary seeds are low so plant more seeds than needed. Some people
also recommend a trick to improve the germination rate called cold stratification. Simply place the
packet of seeds in the freezer for 2 to 6 weeks prior to sowing. Cold stratification stimulates
a brief winter dormancy that the seeds would otherwise experience if they were growing in
the wild. This trick improves the germination rate slightly. Water and place the container in a warm
location or onto a heat mat. If using a bottom heat maintain soil temperature of 80°F to 90°F.
As soon as you see the tiny rosemary plants starting to grow
it is important to give them a good light source in a warm environment.
Allow the rosemary to grow inside or in a sheltered area outside
until they are about 3 inches high and sturdy enough to handle. If the weather is warm outside
the seedlings can be put into the garden where they will continue to grow, alternately put
the seedlings into larger pot so that you can bring them indoor for the next winter.
In warmer areas (zones 7 or above) the rosemary plants can survive outside.
In colder zones like zone 6 and lower rosemary is not winter hardy so it has
to be treated as an annual or it has to be brought inside for the winter.
Choose a site in full sun and leave the plant alone. They are rarely bothered by insects.
In the right place the plants would continue to grow and can even become enormous.
If growing rosemary in containers provide monthly feeding of liquid fertilizer. It's a
perennial that grows slowly and won't be ready for harvesting during the first year of growth
but once established it is hard to kill shrub known to live for up to 10 to 20 years.
Rosemary dries particularly well keeping much of its flavor. You can pinch or clip fresh
leaves as needed or cut whole branches from large established plants to dry in a dark environment.
Strip the leaves from the branch once they are dry and store in air-tight container away from
bright light. Fresh rosemary is one of the most flavorful and fragrant herbs in the kitchen. One
thing is for sure nothing beats the garden fresh fragrance of rosemary even in the dead of winter.
Thanks for watching and happy gardening !!