Herbs & Spices· Salvia rosmarinus

Rosemary Growing Guide

Woody, evergreen perennial herb native to the Mediterranean. Valued for culinary use, essential oil production, and as an ornamental landscape plant.

How Long Does Rosemary Take to Grow?

Rosemary is typically ready to harvest about 180 days after planting.

180

Days to Harvest

2,500

kg fresh herb/hectare

low

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

15-30°C optimal

Rainfall

300-700 mm/year

Frost Tolerance

moderate

Drought Tolerance

high

Humidity

low tolerance

Heat Tolerance

high

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: sandy loam, calcareous, well-drained

pH range: 6 - 7.5 (optimal: 6.8)

Drainage: excellent

Nutrient Needs (N-P-K)

Nitrogen (N)low

Phosphorus (P)low

Potassium (K)low

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

stem cuttings, transplanting

Planting Depth

2 cm

Plant Spacing

60 cm apart, 90 cm rows

Planting Season

spring

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

50 - 2,500 kg fresh herb/ha

Market Demand

growing

Profitability

medium

Harvests/Year

Common Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

spider mites
whiteflies
spittlebugs

Common Diseases

root rot
powdery mildew
botrytis

Use AI crop disease detection to identify issues early and prevent crop losses.

Growing Tips

Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer for best rooting success; seed germination is slow and erratic.

Prune after flowering to maintain compact shape; rosemary does not regenerate well from old, bare wood.

Excellent companion plant for vegetables; its strong aroma deters many common garden pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Rosemary take to grow?

Rosemary typically takes 180 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 21 days. The best planting season is spring.

What soil does Rosemary need?

Rosemary grows best in sandy loam, calcareous, well-drained soil with a pH of 6-7.5. Excellent drainage is required.

What temperature does Rosemary need?

Rosemary grows best at 15-30°C. Frost tolerance: moderate. Heat tolerance: high.

What is the expected yield for Rosemary?

Across 3 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Rosemary range from 50 to 2,500 kg fresh herb/hectare, with a median of 2,500. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management. Multiple harvests per year are possible (3).