From my perspective as a rosemary plant, my roots despise being waterlogged. Please choose a pot for me that has excellent drainage holes; terracotta is ideal because it allows my roots to breathe. A pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide will give me ample room to establish a strong root system. Once potted, place me in a location where I can bask in full, glorious sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. I am a sun-worshipper from the Mediterranean, and without sufficient light, I will become leggy, weak, and susceptible to disease. A south-facing spot is perfect.
My most critical need is the soil I am planted in. I cannot stress enough how much I abhor wet feet. Standard potting soil is often too moisture-retentive and will lead my roots to rot. I require a sharply draining, gritty, and slightly alkaline growing medium. Please create a mix for me using two parts standard potting soil, one part coarse sand or perlite, and one part horticultural grit or small pebbles. A handful of lime can be mixed in to raise the pH, which I greatly appreciate. This environment mimics my native, rocky hillsides and allows oxygen to reach my roots.
My watering needs are simple: deep but infrequent drinks. Before you reach for the watering can, please check the soil. Push your finger about two inches into the soil near my base. If it feels dry, it is time to water me thoroughly until you see water running freely from the drainage holes. Then, leave me alone until the soil dries out again. In winter, when my growth slows, I need even less water. The number one cause of my demise is overzealous watering. It is always better to underwater me than to overwater.
I am not a heavy feeder. In fact, too much fertilizer can lead to excessive, weak growth and diminish the potent essential oils that give me my wonderful fragrance and flavor. A light feeding at the beginning of my active growing season in spring is sufficient. Use a balanced, organic fertilizer diluted to half strength. My structure benefits greatly from regular pruning. This isn't just for your harvest; it encourages me to become bushier and stronger. Always use clean, sharp shears and make your cuts just above a set of leaves, never into the old, woody stems that cannot regenerate new growth easily.
As a plant that thrives in a warm climate, I am vulnerable to freezing temperatures. If you live in a region with cold winters, I must be brought indoors before the first frost. Find me the brightest, sunniest window possible—a cool sunroom or a south-facing window is ideal. Be extra cautious with watering indoors, as the soil will take much longer to dry out. Alternatively, if I must remain outdoors, my pot can be moved to a sheltered location and wrapped with horticultural fleece to protect my roots from a hard freeze.
