Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is also an essential antioxidant herb used to flavor chicken, pork, lamb and a number of other dishes. The plants are compact and grown as annuals in areas below USDA growing zone 7. In warmer regions, plants can be left in the ground year-round. Starting rosemary from seed can be hard, as germination rates are generally poor and it takes a few months before the plants produce some usable leaves. A blend of heat, heat, moisture and the perfect sort of planting medium are necessary to successfully grow this herb in the garden or in pots on a windowsill.

Select clean planting trays, wash thoroughly in a mild solution of soap and warm water and allow to air dry in order to make a sterile environment for seed germination.

Fill magnets to 1 inch from the top with fresh sterile seed-starting medium and degree. Water planting medium until it’s moist but not saturated, to help settle it in the tray.

Place rosemary seeds in addition to the planting medium around one-half inch apart and press lightly but do not cover with soil, since the seeds must simply come into contact with soil but not buried inside it.

Cover trays with clear plastic picture, leaving one end loose to permit for air circulation. Place trays in a dark place with a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, as rosemary seeds require plenty of heat to germinate.

Assess trays daily for moisture content and mist lightly if the soil appears dry, as this produces less seed interference than ordinary watering.

Move magnets into a sunny location or set them under a grow light and eliminate the plastic picture once seedlings emerge. Begin transplanting them when they are about 2 inches tall to separate pots or peat pots. Check frequently for water and moisture if the soil appears very dry.

Transplant rosemary when it’s about 4 to 5 inches tall to larger individual pots or into the garden in a sunny location when the soil has warmed to 50 F. Lift bare-root seedlings gently from the soil and set them in prepared holes in larger pots, or plant the entire peat pots in the soil up to the underside of the plants. Enable the soil to dry between waterings, but offer extra water during extended dry spells.

Harvest rosemary sprigs when the plants are about 1 to 2 feet tall or about 70 to 90 days following germination. Mulch heavily in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 9 if leaving the plants out for the winter, or gradually acclimate potted crops to changes in temperature if pulling potted plants inside in colder areas.

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