To grow rosemary successfully, follow these key steps:

Choosing and Planting

• Rosemary prefers a warm, sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily

• Select light, well-drained soil; rosemary dislikes wet roots, especially in winter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, improve drainage by mixing in grit, sand, or perlite, or plant rosemary in raised beds or containers with drainage holes

• Plant rosemary in spring after the last frost when soil temperatures are warming, though it can also be planted in early autumn in mild climates

• Space plants about 45cm (18in) to 60cm apart to allow room for growth

• For containers, use a pot at least 6 inches deep with a soil mix of sand, peat-free compost, and perlite or gravel to ensure drainage

Growing from Seed or Cuttings

• Rosemary seeds are slow to germinate and seedlings take years to mature. Starting with bought plants or rooting cuttings is faster and easier

• To grow from seed, soak seeds for 24 hours, sow on the surface of moist seed-starting mix without covering, keep warm and humid, and provide grow lights for 10-12 hours daily until seedlings appear (15-30 days)

• Propagate by taking softwood cuttings in spring or summer, dipping them in rooting hormone, and placing them in moist sandy or soilless mix or water until roots develop

Care and Maintenance

• Water rosemary sparingly; allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering. Overwatering can cause root rot

• Fertilize lightly with balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season or mix compost into soil at planting

• Prune after flowering in early summer to encourage bushy growth and prevent woodiness

• Mulch in autumn with leaf mold or well-rotted compost to protect roots

• In cold climates, bring container-grown rosemary indoors before frost and place in a bright, draft-free spot. Reduce watering but do not let soil dry out completely

Following these guidelines will help you grow healthy, flavorful rosemary plants for culinary and ornamental use.