Planting Tips

• Rosemary can be planted or transplanted at any time of the year, provided that the root ball remains undisturbed during transplanting.
• The plant is not demanding, but will appreciate compost and bonemeal to a depth of about 40cm.
• The soil should be well-drained and care should be taken that the plant not become waterlogged.
• Rosemary grows best in full sun and must receive sun for at least half the day; it’ll be miserable in deep shade.
• Add Bounceback or a similar organic fertiliser every two months.
• Rosemary is drought-resistant and can cope with temperatures as low as -10°C, so it’s suitable for frost-prone areas.
• Once the plant is established, water it twice a week to prevent the surface from drying out.
• An excellent container specimen, rosemary looks lovely spilling over a rock or over the sides of a pot.

Cultivation Tips

• Take cuttings of semi-hardwood from September to March and root them in a well drained medium such as a 50:50 mixture of peat and river sand.
• Prune the plant to retain its shape and encourage growth, but not while it’s in full bloom.

Harvesting Tips

• Rosemary can be harvested throughout the year.
• Strip off the leaves and use the sticks for kebabs, or as a brush to baste meat on the braai.
• Twigs scattered on a braai fire provide a pleasant fragrance and help keep insects at bay.

Text: Home magazine