ROSEMARY SEEDS

Salvia rosmarinus, commonly known as rosemary, is a shrub with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves and white, pink, purple, or blue flowers, native to the Mediterranean region. Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.

Select and Prepare Seeds: Soak the seeds in warm water for 12 hours to help soften the seed coat and improve germination rates.

Choose a Planting Location: Rosemary prefers full sun and well-draining soil. If growing indoors, choose a sunny windowsill or use grow lights.

Prepare the Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix or a mix of equal parts potting soil, sand, and perlite. Fill seed trays or small pots with the prepared soil mix.

Sow the Seeds: Sow the rosemary seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in, but do not cover them with soil as they need light to germinate.

Watering: Mist the soil gently with water to keep it evenly moist but not waterlogged. Cover the seed trays or pots with a plastic cover or plastic wrap to create a humid environment.

Germination: Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location with a temperature of around 70°F (21°C).Germination can be slow and erratic, taking anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks or longer.

Provide Light: Ensure the seedlings receive plenty of light, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If growing indoors, supplement with grow lights if necessary.

Transplanting: When seedlings have grown several sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden.

Harden Off: If moving seedlings outdoors, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day over a week, increasing exposure time gradually.

Planting Outdoors: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Space plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow for growth. Dig holes large enough to accommodate the root ball and plant seedlings at the same depth they were in their pots.

Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after transplanting.Once established, rosemary is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as rosemary prefers slightly dry conditions.

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep the mulch away from the stems to prevent rot.

Pruning: Prune rosemary regularly to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or woody stems. Harvest leaves as needed, which also helps promote new growth.

Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

FAQ

When should rosemary seeds be planted?
Plant rosemary seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost.

How deep should rosemary seeds be sown?
Sow rosemary seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil.

How long do rosemary seeds take to germinate?
Rosemary seeds typically take 2-4 weeks to germinate.

What temperature is ideal for germinating rosemary seeds?
Germinate rosemary seeds at around 70°F (21°C).

What are the light requirements for rosemary seedlings?
Rosemary seedlings need full sun or grow lights to thrive.