Common Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis

Common Rosemary is a Versatile and Fragrant Herb.  Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen shrub that is commonly grown for its fragrant needle-like leaves and delicate blue flowers. This herb has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years and is a favorite among gardeners for its ease of care and versatility.

Materials Needed to grow your seeds:

• Rosemary seeds
• Seed-starting trays or pots
• Seed-starting soil mix
• Clear plastic wrap or dome
• Grow lights or sunny windowsill
• Watering can or spray bottle
• Fertilizer (optional)
• Pruning shears

Steps to Grow Common Rosemary from Seeds:

1. Place seeds on a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag or container.
2. Refrigerate for 2-3 weeks, ensuring the paper towel remains moist (not soaking wet).
3. Next, fill your seed-starting trays or pots with seed-starting soil mix, leaving a little space at the top.
4. Sprinkle rosemary seeds on top of the soil, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
5. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil mix.
6. Water the soil gently with a watering can or spray bottle, being careful not to dislodge the seeds.
7. Cover the trays or pots with clear plastic wrap or a dome to create a mini greenhouse and place them in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
8. Check the soil regularly and water as needed to keep it moist but not waterlogged.
9. Once the seedlings have emerged and have developed their second set of true leaves, remove the plastic wrap or dome and move the trays or pots to a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.
10. Continue to water the seedlings regularly and feed them with a diluted fertilizer solution every two weeks.
11. Once the seedlings have grown to about 6 inches tall, transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden, spacing them about 2 feet apart.
12. Prune the rosemary plants regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too woody.

Harvesting Common Rosemary:

The best time to harvest rosemary is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a pair of pruning shears to snip off stems of rosemary from the plant, leaving at least two sets of leaves on the stem.
2. Rinse the stems under cool water and pat them dry with a towel.
3. Strip the leaves off the stems and discard the stems.
4. Store the rosemary leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or freeze them for later use.

Medicinal Benefits of Common Rosemary:

Common rosemary has been used for centuries for its potential medicinal properties. Here are a few of its potential benefits:

• May improve memory and concentration: Some studies suggest that rosemary may enhance memory and cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects: Rosemary contains compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially useful for reducing pain and inflammation.
• May have antibacterial properties: Some research suggests that rosemary oil may have antibacterial properties and could be useful in treating certain bacterial infections.
• May aid digestion: Rosemary has been traditionally used to aid digestion, and some studies suggest that it may help reduce symptoms of indigestion and improve gut health.

In conclusion, growing common rosemary from seeds is a rewarding and easy process that can yield a fragrant and versatile herb that can be used in a variety of culinary and medicinal applications. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy the benefits of this lovely herb in your own home or garden.