It’s fragrant, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly easy to grow. Rosemary is one of those herbs that practically thrives on neglect—and it looks good doing it, whether it’s growing in your outdoor herb garden or sitting in a cute little pot on your windowsill. That said, it still helps to know what it likes (and what it doesn’t). In this easy rosemary plant care guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from where to plant rosemary to how to water, prune, and harvest it like a pro.
Once you’ve got the basics down, the possibilities are endless! You can use rosemary for everything from crafting to cooking your favorite rosemary recipes to creating your own DIY home fragrance. Ready to grow? Let’s dig in!
How to Grow and Care For Rosemary
Light
Rosemary needs at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun a day. If you're growing it outside, be sure to give it a spot with unfiltered sunshine. If you're keeping it indoors, place it in a bright window (ideally south-facing), or add a grow light if needed. If your plant starts looking leggy or pale, that's a sign it’s probably craving more light. A healthy rosemary plant should look bushy, upright, and full of color.
Soil
Rosemary likes things on the dry side, so aim for slightly sandy, well-draining soil. If your yard has heavy or clay-like soil, try planting it in a raised bed or container instead. Terracotta pots are a smart choice because they help pull excess moisture away from the roots. Whatever you do, avoid soil that doesn't drain well after it rains.
Watering
This herb doesn’t like soggy soil, so let the top couple inches dry out before watering again. Outside, you might only need to water during long dry spells. Inside, once a week is usually enough—just stick your finger in the soil first to check. If it still feels damp, hold off another day or two. It’s better to underwater rosemary than to give it too much.
Fertilizer
Rosemary isn’t a heavy feeder, so you don’t need to fuss too much. If it’s planted in the ground, a little compost in spring should work well. For potted plants, you can use a diluted liquid fertilizer about once a month during the growing season, but skip it during the winter months. Too much fertilizer can actually make rosemary grow leggy and weak.
How to Grow Rosemary Indoors
You can absolutely grow rosemary inside, but light will be your biggest challenge. Place it in your sunniest window and rotate it every so often to keep the growth even. Avoid cold drafts and heat vents, and water only when the soil feels dry a couple inches down. Good airflow helps keep mildew at bay, so make sure your plant has some breathing room.
If your rosemary seems unhappy indoors, it’s almost always a light issue! The best way to keep it happy is to make sure it has light all day—even if that means moving the plant around your home.
How to Harvest and Prune Rosemary
When you're ready to harvest, just snip off 4- to 6-inch sprigs from different parts of the plant. That’ll keep it growing full and even. Use the sprigs fresh, or tie a few together and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place to save for later. Pruning regularly will help your rosemary grow into a tidy, rounded shape.
Winter Care
If temps in your area dip below 40 degrees Farenheit, it’s time to bring your rosemary indoors. Let it ease into the transition by moving it inside for a few hours a day before bringing it in full-time. Once it’s inside, cut back on watering; it won’t need as much during its winter rest. Even if it looks a little under the weather in winter, it’ll bounce back in spring.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
