How to Grow Rosemary

Intermediate

Salvia rosmarinus

An evergreen Mediterranean shrub with needle-like aromatic leaves. Drought-tolerant. Perennial in mild climates.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
80–120 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
46 cm / 18"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
0.5" / 13 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Best started from cuttings or transplants. Needs excellent drainage. Perennial in zones 7–10; grow as annual elsewhere.

Varieties & Cultivars

5 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Compact dwarf variety

(1)
Rosinka
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

hardy; fragrant needle leaves; good for cooking

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
5–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Most cold-hardy rosemary

(1)
Arp
Open-Pollinated

lemon-pine scent; upright habit

Height
35–47" (90–120 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
6–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
2 years

Tall upright habit

(1)
Tuscan Blue
Open-Pollinated

strong flavour; blue flowers

Height
47–71" (120–180 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
8–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
2 years

Trailing ground cover type

(1)
Prostrate
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

fragrant; good for slopes and hanging baskets

Height
2–6" (5–15 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.3 oz (8 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
5–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Trailing/creeping habit

(1)
Prostrate
Open-Pollinated

cascades over walls and containers; blue flowers

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
8–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
2 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside rosemary, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Kale : Rosemary repels cabbage moths from kale
Cabbage : Rosemary repels cabbage moths
Lavender : Both Mediterranean plants with similar drainage and sun needs; attract pollinators together
Broccoli : Rosemary repels cabbage moths from brassicas
Carrot : Rosemary repels carrot rust fly
Beans : Rosemary repels bean beetles
Cauliflower : Rosemary repels cabbage moths from cauliflower

Keep Apart

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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