Crop profile

Rosemary crop profile

A long-lived Mediterranean herb, best transplanted into a well-drained spot and shaped with light pruning.

Italiano

Starting method

Transplanting

Direct soil

21 °C

Transplant soil

12 °C

Night minimum

5 °C

Frost buffer

7 days

Heat stop

38 °C

Harvest

60–90 days

Indoor lead

42 days

Key temperatures

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40 °C

Below 21 °CCold risk: slower growth or cold damage.
21–12 °CMinimum range to start: direct sowing from 21 °C, transplanting from 12 °C.
12–33 °CBest range for growth and production.
33–38 °CPerformance drops and plants move into stress.
Above 38 °CPause transplants: heat stress risk.

Rosemary cycle

1. Start indoors
Average time:
42 days
2. Transplanting
Soil: at least 12 °C
Night minimum: at least 5 °C
3. Growth
Ideal temperatures 12–33 °C
Avoid peaks above 38 °C
4. Harvest
First harvest around:
60–90 days after transplanting

How to start

Recommended method: transplanting.
Prepare seedlings with mild, steady temperatures.
Transplant when soil has reached at least 12 °C and nights stay above 5 °C.

Temperatures to respect

Direct-sowing soil: minimum 21 °C.
Transplant soil: minimum 12 °C.
Night minimum: minimum 5 °C.
Heat stop: 38 °C.
Suggested frost buffer: 7 days.

Harvest timing

Cycle from transplant to first harvest: about 60–90 days.
Harvest gradually as produce reaches maturity.

Seasonal notes

Protect young plants from late frosts and thermal swings.
In summer, avoid water stress and heat peaks above 38 °C.
Steady growth improves development and harvest quality.

FAQ and sources

When should you plant rosemary?

Rosemary is best planted from a young plant, not from seed, when the soil begins to warm. For transplanting, about 12 °C in the soil and nights above 5 °C are enough, with a few days of margin from frost. Sowing needs more heat, around 21 °C, and is slow, so transplanting is the practical choice. Choose full sun and very well-drained soil. Rosemary suffers more from standing water than from drought.

Does rosemary grow better in pots or in the ground?

It grows well in both if drainage is excellent. In the ground it becomes larger and more self-sufficient, especially in mild climates. In a pot it stays easier to control and can be moved to a sheltered position during cold periods. Use a container with real drainage holes, compost that is not too rich, and draining material. Do not choose a tiny pot: it dries too fast and limits the plant. Avoid saucers full of water, because wet roots in winter cause decline.

When can you harvest rosemary?

You can harvest rosemary almost all year, but be moderate on young plants. After transplanting, wait until it establishes and makes new shoots; the parameters indicate 60-90 days before useful harvests begin. Cut green tips, not very woody branches. Picking little and often keeps the plant compact. For drying, take healthy sprigs on dry days and place them in a ventilated spot away from direct sun.

How do you prune rosemary without damaging it?

Prune lightly after flowering or during the growing season, shortening green shoots. Do not cut hard into old leafless wood: rosemary regrows poorly from very woody parts. The goal is to keep it dense, airy, and not bare at the base. A light annual pruning is better than a severe cut every few years. If a plant has become old and hollow, it is often better to take cuttings and replace it gradually.

Why does rosemary suddenly dry out?

The most common causes are waterlogging, heavy soil, a pot without drainage, or cold wet weather. Rosemary is Mediterranean: it wants sun, air, and roots that dry slightly between waterings. If it dries from the base while the compost is wet, the roots are probably suffering. Reduce water, improve drainage, and move the plant to a brighter position. In cold areas, protect it from icy wind and continuous rain, especially if it is young or potted.