Entire healthy mature rosemary plant in a real garden bed, showing growth habit and scale.Primary identification image. 60–150 cm tall, 60–120 cm wide at maturity.
1. Cutting or plantRoot 10 cm cuttings in summer or buy a plant.
2. EstablishmentFirst season: water moderately.
3. Mature shrubWoody, 60–150 cm.
4. FloweringBlue flowers in spring; bees visit.
5. HarvestCut sprigs year-round.
Growth stages are ordered chronologically; timing varies with cultivar, temperature, light and care.
Planting calendar for Portland, Oregon
transplant 2–4 weeks after last frost; 90–120 days to maturity from planting. Windows are derived from the region's average frost dates (last Apr 5, first Nov 5) and are estimates until you confirm your own dates in the calendar.
Plant
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
Text version of the planting timeline
Plant
Start indoors
Direct sow
Autumn sow
Transplant
Tend
Harvest
Rosemary
—
—
—
Apr 19–May 3 (estimate)
May 3–Jul 18 (estimate)
Jul 18–Mar 29 (estimate)
Start indoorsDirect sowTransplantTendHarvestStriped bars are regional estimates; solid bars are dates you confirmed.
Transplant outdoors: Apr 19 – May 3
Tend and monitor: May 3 – Jul 18
Harvest: Jul 18 – Mar 29
Spacing & support
In-row 60–90 cm; rows 90–90 cm. Planner footprint: 4 cells of 30 cm.
Side-profile diagram of mature rosemary: canopy 60–150 cm tall, 60–120 cm wide, deep root zone, support and harvest-access envelope.
Soil & water
Soil
Poor to moderate, sharply drained, gritty soil
pH
6–7.5
Fertility
low
Water
Water only in prolonged drought; never waterlogged.
Frost
half hardy; tolerates frost
Support & training
No support structure needed.
Rosemary mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.
Harvest signs
Sprigs any time; new growth is most tender
Never cut into old, leafless wood
Rosemary at harvest readiness, showing the visual cues: sprigs any time; new growth is most tender; never cut into old, leafless wood.
Common problems
Pests: rosemary beetle (Europe), spittlebug
Diseases: root rot
Appearance alone is not a diagnosis; confirm with a regional extension guide.
Side-by-side: healthy rosemary leaf or fruit and an example of root rot.
Container growing
Minimum 20 L (30 cm deep)
Use quality potting mix and water more frequently
Mature rosemary in a correctly sized container (20 L or more) with drainage visible.
Rosemary is bought as a plant or rooted from cuttings; seed is slow and variable. It needs sharp drainage, full sun and little water once established, and is hardy to about −10 °C; in colder regions grow it in a pot and overwinter it under cover.
Rosemary planting material (crown, set, clove, slip or tuber) beside a ruler or coin for scale.
Rosemary seedling at cotyledon and first-true-leaf stage, in soil, distinguishable from common weeds.
Rosemary mid-season before harvest, showing branching, vining, rosette or upright habit and space occupied.
Its needs are the opposite of most vegetables, which is why the planner flags a water conflict when rosemary is placed among thirsty crops. Blue flowers in spring are visited by bees. Rosemary has no serious pests in most gardens; root rot in wet soil is the usual cause of death.
Two or more mature rosemary plants with a tape measure showing in-row spacing (60–90 cm).
Rosemary flower detail or bolting stage.
Immature leaves of rosemary developing on the plant.
Edible parts and safety
Edible: leaves, flowers.
Hands or tool harvesting rosemary correctly (cut, pull, twist or pick) without damaging the plant.
Pests and diseases
Common pests: rosemary beetle (Europe), spittlebug. Common diseases: root rot. These vary by region; a photograph is an example, not a diagnosis. See the pest and disease guides and your local extension service.
rosemary beetle on rosemary, with a wider damage-context view.
Timeline
Season timeline for rosemary: sowing, transplanting, flowering, harvest and bed occupancy aligned to frost dates.Text alternative: Transplant outdoors Apr 19–May 3; Tend and monitor May 3–Jul 18; Harvest Jul 18–Mar 29.
We synthesize peer-reviewed research, university extension publications, and trusted horticulture resources. Our evidence levels help you understand how strong the science is behind the guidance.
Evidence tiers
Supported evidenceConsistent results from multiple robust studies
Traditional claimHistorical use reported, limited scientific support
Context dependentMixed or variable results across conditions
No verified relationshipNo reliable evidence identified
Spacing & support
Soil & water
Support & training
Harvest signs
Common problems
Container growing
Companion overview
Crop rotation
Sources, reviewer & update
