How to grow Rosemary in Australia
A Mediterranean herb for full sun and gritty, sharp draining soil. It hates wet feet, so water only when the soil dries and never let it sit soggy.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 3 litres a week, watered every 4 days
- Spacing: 60 cm
- Time to harvest: 180 days
- Time to germinate: 21 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to October | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to October | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to October | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to October | Frost-hardy; thrives in Melbourne. Extend window. Sow Mar to Oct. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to October | |
| Perth & WA | March to October | |
| Tasmania | March and April, September to November | Plant Sep to Nov or Mar to Apr. Hardy in Tasmania with good drainage. |
| Canberra & ACT | March to October | Rosemary is cold-hardy Mediterranean herb; plant spring or autumn; needs good drainage in wet winters. |
| North Queensland | May to November | Dry season main window May to Nov. Perennial shrub; drought-tolerant. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to November | Dry season main window May to Nov. Perennial shrub; drought-tolerant. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Cut sprigs any time once the bush is established and growing well. Snip soft tips with secateurs; regular cutting keeps it bushy and productive.
Storage
Fridge loosely wrapped, up to 2 weeks. Freeze sprigs or dry bunches.