Rosemary Care

· News team
Rosemary's name originates from Latin, meaning 'dew of the sea.' Hence, it has an alternate name, 'dew of the ocean.'
In the Western world, rosemary is considered a gift symbolizing happiness. It is known for its ability to enhance memory and its symbolic representation of reminiscence and commemoration.
Rosemary's scent is very long-lasting, with a high content of essential oil. Fresh leaves possess strong antibacterial and preservative effects and can repel insects. Additionally, it has many uses and can be considered one of the most useful herbs in the kitchen, whether for cooking or household items.
Many people only know rosemary as an essential seasoning in Western cuisine, but in fact, adding a few sprigs when cooking fish or meat can not only remove the fishy smell but also add a unique aroma to the dish. However, rosemary has a strong scent, so only a small amount is needed when using it. It can also be placed on the edge of a dish as a decoration, instantly elevating the presentation.
Three varieties of rosemary can be grown: upright, broadleaf, and creeping. Upright rosemary is the most common type, but its leaves are small like needles; broadleaf rosemary has wider and longer leaves, with a richer aroma; while creeping rosemary is the easiest to flower among the three varieties. Once it enters the flowering period, the whole plant will be covered with light purple flowers, emitting a strong fragrance, creating a beautiful display.
Rosemary prefers dryness and ample sunlight, and it adapts well to very poor soil, which enhances its strong aroma.
Rosemary is not a very easy plant to care for; it grows slowly and therefore has weak regenerative ability. Its germination rate is very low. It can be challenging to keep rosemary alive when initially planting it, or it may often develop yellow leaves, gradually becoming woody from the bottom up.
Therefore, the timing of planting rosemary is crucial, usually done in spring, while it's not recommended to plant or propagate rosemary in summer because it does not tolerate extreme heat or cold winters well.
Rosemary cannot withstand prolonged exposure to direct sunlight in summer; the light exposure time should be controlled within 4-6 hours, and it will grow better at temperatures between 20-30°C. Rotate the flowerpot periodically to ensure even light exposure; otherwise, prolonged exposure on one side may result in uneven growth compared to the less exposed side.
In winter, when the temperature drops below 5°C, rosemary leaves will suffer severe frost damage, turning from deep green to red. At this time, water it at noon to prevent the roots from freezing, and try to reduce the frequency of watering.
Only water when the pot becomes very light. With careful care, rosemary will regain vitality when spring arrives. Before entering dormancy in winter and summer, rosemary needs pruning to prevent it from consuming too many nutrients and safely passing through the dormant period.