rosemary

For optimal growth, rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus 'Roman Beauty' CHEF'S CHOICE) should be watered once every week to 10 days. During weeks with hotter weather, it may need more frequent watering. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings, but not so much so that the plant wilts. Check by inserting your finger 1-2 inches down into the soil - if it feels dry, it's time to water. Depending on the size of the pot, rosemary likes to receive about 1-2 cups of water per watering session.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus 'Roman Beauty' CHEF'S CHOICE)needs 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. This plant grows best when placed in a bright sunnylocation; the plant should receive at least 3 hours of direct sunlight duringthe mid-morning and mid-afternoon. It should be protected from the hottest partof the afternoon, especially in hot climates. If the plant is receiving too muchsunlight, it may develop leaf scorch.

Rosemary should be pruned in springtime right after the last frost, or late in the fall. How much to prune will depend on the size and shape of the rosemary plant. For large, bushy plants, prune aging and scrappy stems down to the base to promote better air circulation. To shape a rosemary shrub, selectively remove the stems that have grown out of the desired shape. Cuttings should be made to around a third of the plant’s height. For smaller plants, such as those grown in containers, pruning can be done as needed to keep it from becoming overgrown and lanky. Cut back any flowers spent with pruners sterilized with rubbing alcohol.