Rosemary - Ontario Seed Company

Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary seeds grow into a coarse, upright, bushy plant with pale blue flowers. An incredibly pleasing fragrance is released when the leaves are handled. There is no doubt that rosemary is an important (almost compulsory) component of poultry stuffing but it also goes hand-in-hand with lamb and pork dishes. Plants can grow from 60-90 cm (2-3') tall. In most locations in Canada, it is recommended to bring rosemary inside to overwinter as temperatures below 8°C (46°F) for more than a day will damage foliage. We have reports from gardeners that rosemary fails to thrive when planted close to members of the potato family (Solanaceae). Rosemary is a tender perennial hardy to Zone 7 with adequate winter protection. However, a single night with the temperature below -15°C (5°F) is usually fatal.

How to Grow

Start seed indoors in a soil-less medium about 10-12 weeks before your last frost date. Barely cover the seed and keep at 27-30°C (80-85°F) for the 30 day! germination period. Applying bottom heat to the growing medium at this time is highly beneficial. After germination, grow on under lights at a slightly cooler temperature - keep the growing medium on the drier side from the time you see the seeds sprout right up to moving them outside. Harden off and move young plants outside to a sunny site after all danger of frost has passed. Plants must be brought inside to overwinter safely in most parts of Canada. When overwintering plants indoors, place them in a bright but cool location (13-18°C) and make a habit of heavily misting the foliage once a day.

Approx. 100 seeds/pkt.