Rosemary is a versatile and aromatic herb that is not only popular for its culinary uses, but also for its decorative and appealing features. Growing rosemary from seed can be a bit challenging, but with the right techniques and care, it’s entirely possible to enjoy beautiful, thriving rosemary plants at home. In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to grow rosemary from seed.

1. Start with high-quality seeds

For optimal growth and success, it’s essential to start with high-quality rosemary seeds. Purchase your seeds from a reputable supplier to ensure the best germination rates and plant health.

2. Prepare the growing medium

Before planting your seeds, prepare a well-draining potting mix made of equal parts peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and sand or grit. This will provide the right balance of moisture retention and drainage that rosemary needs to thrive.

3. Sow seeds indoors

Rosemary is best started indoors, as it requires consistent temperatures between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius) for germination. Fill small pots or seed trays with your prepared potting mix, then sprinkle the seeds on top. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite and gently mist the surface with water.

4. Provide proper lighting

Place your seed tray or pots in a bright spot near a south-facing window or under artificial grow lights. Keep in mind that rosemary needs abundant light for proper germination and growth.

5. Maintain consistent temperature and humidity

As mentioned earlier, rosemary requires consistent temperatures for successful germination. Use a heating mat if needed to maintain the ideal temperature range mentioned above. To maintain humidity during germination, cover the tray or pots with plastic wrap or place them inside a plastic bag.

6. Keep the soil moist

Rosemary seeds need consistently moist soil to germinate. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, by gently misting it as needed. Overwatering can lead to root rot and damping-off.

7. Be patient

Rosemary seeds can take anywhere from 15 to 25 days to germinate, so be patient during this process.

8. Transplant seedlings

Once your rosemary seedlings have developed their first true set of leaves, transplant them to larger pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. At this stage, water your seedlings when the top one inch of soil feels dry.

9. Harden off and transplant outdoors

When the weather is consistently warm and all danger of frost has passed, acclimate your seedlings to the outdoors over a week or two by gradually increasing their exposure to sun and wind. Once they’re fully acclimated, transplant them to a sunny location in your garden with well-draining soil, spacing each plant approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.

10. Regular care

Water rosemary plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. This is crucial for avoiding root rot and promoting healthy growth. Also, regularly snip off any dead or damaged leaves and stems to maintain proper air circulation.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to successfully growing rosemary from seed. With patience and proper care, you’ll soon enjoy aromatic, flavorful rosemary plants in your garden or containers.