Rosemary - Salvia rosmarinus (previously know as Rosmarinus officinalis)
60 Seeds
Sow March - May.
Hardy evergreen perennial.
Height and spread 1m (3ft).
Prefers a light, well-drained soil in a sheltered sunny position.
Sow in a seed tray of soil-less compost, cover with compost and glass and maintain a temperature of at least 20°C.
When large enough, prick out into a 5cm pot, gradually harden off and plant out any time from May to September. The ideal time to plant out rosemary is April. Prefers light, well drained soil in full sun. Rosemary prefers a slightly limey soil (the opposite of acid) because this results in smaller plants with more fragrant leaves. It will stand severe frosts if conditions are not windy and wet as well. Rosemary does not like to have its roots disturbed so leave as much of the root ball undisturbed as possible. Water well if the conditions are at all dry.
This ash-coloured shrub has a pungent, pine-like fragrance. It has scaly bark and opposite, needle-like, leathery leaves, which are thick and dark green on the top and downy white underneath. The square, woody stems can be burned on a fire for a lovely aroma. The pale blue, pink or white flowers appear in early spring, summer and sometimes in autumn.
