Rosemary is a highly favoured ingredient in the culinary world. It effortlessly imparts a fragrant touch to your preferred savoury dishes, and serves as an excellent enhancer for mashed potatoes, chips and even cocktails.
Growing it at home is a breeze, be it in your garden or on your windowsill. However, if you’re considering planting it outdoors, there’s one factor that can hinder its growth and expedite its demise. The specialists at House Beautiful have issued a warning about rosemary, advising green thumbs to ensure it receives ample sunlight.
Weslie Etienne Pierre, author of The Modern Plant Parent, has shared some crucial guidance for those intending to plant rosemary this summer.
One key point to bear in mind is that while rosemary plants are generally low-maintenance, they require abundant natural light to flourish.
Unlike other herbs such as mint or basil, rosemary thrives in bright and arid conditions.
She said: “It needs bright, full sunlight and no shade, so plant it away from trees.
“If you’re keeping it indoors, a south-facing window with full access to the sky is best.”
Rosemary requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily, so positioning it next to any towering trees is ill-advised if they’re going to obstruct the sun’s rays.
Insufficient sunlight will result in ‘weak, spindly growth’, which is certainly not a gardener’s dream.
Good air circulation is also crucial, as it helps to fend off any diseases.
Although rosemary favours a drier soil, water your plant every few days if there’s no rain.
If you’ve got an indoor plant, allow it to dry out slightly before watering again.
When it comes to challenges of indoor growth, light is the most significant one yet again.
The experts suggest placing your rosemary plant in a bright east, west, or south-facing window, or utilise a grow light for additional support if your home doesn’t receive much bright natural light.
North-facing windows do not provide sufficient light, particularly during the winter. Insufficient light will cause your rosemary plant to exhibit weak growth and shed its leaves.