Rosemary is an evergreen perennial shrub with needle-like leaves, similar to needles of conifers. In the open ground can grow up to 2 m in height. Grows wild on the Mediterranean coast.
Rosemary has long been famous for its healing and aromatic properties. So, for example, this plant is included in the list of famous spices of Provence. The aroma of rosemary is similar to a mixture of eucalyptus, camphor, lemon and pine.
Planting rosemary
Contrary to everyone’s opinion, this plant is no longer exotic, it can be grown on our sites. However, to the idea did not end in failure, it is important to know the following features:
- First, the rosemary is light-requiring and thermophilic. The cold is fatal to him. From this we can conclude that the time of planting in the ground you need to define your own. It is better to planting later, when there will be no threat of cold winds.
- Secondly, rosemary loves lime, light and loose soil. Heavy, greasy, acidic and too moist soil he does not like. But this shrub is absolutely not susceptible to disease. And pests are trying to avoid it-probably too fragrant.
Plant rosemary can be 4 ways: seeds, layering, cuttings or division of the Bush. I think the best option for us is growing from seed seedlings with subsequent planting in the ground. Given all of the above, you can sow seedlings in February-March. And in a month the grown shoots can be planted in separate pots.
By the way, rosemary seeds look like this:
Not such, large, of course=) Here they are in full size:
Seeds germinate at a temperature of + 12 °C…+22 °C. by the Way, do not need too deep to plunge them in the ground, enough depth of 0.3-0.4 cm And do not pour! The soil should be moderately moist.
The seedlings have grown, and the cold are over? Then we plant your rosemary in the open ground. Usually use a circuit of 50 x 50 cm But if You don’t plan to grow shrub will be sufficient and a distance of 10 cm.
If you have to propagate rosemary cuttings, do it like this. In late June, cut from the Bush young shoots. The length of the cuttings should be 8-10 cm. Then stick the lower ends of the cuttings into the ground at an angle of 45°. A depth of 5 cm will be enough. Between the cuttings should be at least 10 cm Cuttings soon take root and go to growth.
Now let’s learn how to properly care for rosemary.
Rosemary care
No special care, the rosemary does not require. Since it grows in the wild, and then you in the country house with him, too, will not be a problem. Nevertheless…
Watering
Watering should be regular, but moderate. If you still remember, wet soil rosemary does not like. But it is rare to watering is not worth it. You will realize that the Bush is not enough moisture if it starts to turn yellow leaves. And if you fill it with water, it can throwing leaves. In General, avoid extremes.
Loosening, weeding and fertilizing
Loosen and weed, of course, it is necessary. That goes without saying. But what to feed? Some pour a solution of mullein (in a ratio of 1: 5). Others use complex mineral and organic fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen. Once a month is enough.
Spring watered with nitrogen fertilizers-it is necessary for the formation of the root system. During the autumn, and phosphorus. Then the plant will feel comfortable and will be able to decorate your site for a long time.
Cutting
With industrial cultivation of rosemary every 7-8 years, its bushes are cut to the soil level. So to speak, rejuvenate — to bring forth new shoots. If your rosemary Bush is old, I think it makes sense to do so. In addition, the bushes need to be formed if you want them to be beautiful. Usually do formative pruning in March-April.
Cover
In a cold climate, it is better to be safe and cover, if possible. Otherwise it may freeze.
Often do differently: cut rosemary and transplanted for the winter in a pot. If the climate is warm, it is not necessary to cover it.
I think that’s all about leaving. Let’s talk about the harvest.
Harvest
What crop can be harvested from a bush of rosemary? Of course, his greens.
It is desirable to do this in Sunny weather. Pluck young shoots, dry them and grind. Here and ready spice for meat. Sometimes use and his the root of the, but extremely rarely.
Types and varieties of rosemary
As such, there are few varieties of rosemary. As for the types, there are about five, but to lead their Latin names, I will not. Is important to Us, the most common — Rosmarinus officinalis.
He does have some varieties though. However, according to the photos they can hardly be identified: they do not differ in appearance.
Among the varieties of rosemary should be mentioned undersized variety “Severin Sea” (its height — no more than 50 cm):
Grade “Prostratus” – a rosemary with creeping shoots. His shrubs to a height of about 15 cm.
Grade “Roseus” is distinguished by pink flowers, but “Albiflorus” — white flowers…
Our gardeners often plant rosemary not for culinary purposes, but simply for the sake of beauty.