Features of rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen shrub from the mint family. Its homeland is the Mediterranean Sea, now it is cultivated throughout Europe and America. Currently, there are varieties that differ in flower color, aroma, growth rate and frost resistance. Some species reach a height of 50 to 150 cm and are distinguished by a strong aroma.
What does rosemary look like? Rosemary has small, needle-like leaves that are curled along the edges, tightly adjacent to each other, about 2–5 cm long, growing on long, woody stems. The flowers of this plant grow from the axils of the leaves. They bloom from mid-spring to late autumn, emit a pleasant smell.
The root system is highly developed, it goes deep into the ground up to 2 m. This is a good companion plant for growing in the garden.
Note! A creeping rosemary that sprouts side branches can be used in hanging baskets or to vertically cover a stone or wood fence.
In the markets you can find different types of rosemary. White rosemary has a pleasant aroma and attractive appearance. There is also black rosemary, which has a more bitter taste and darker color. All these types of rosemary have different aromas and flavors,
How to grow rosemary in the garden?
Rosemary is an extremely photophilous plant that loves warmth. Even the scorching rays of the sun during the midday season do not harm this plant. Grows well in calcareous soil with an alkaline pH. In a shaded location, rosemary shows less growth and less flowering. It can adapt to most soil types, even in dry, barren soils, and grows best in light soils with good drainage and a neutral pH.
It does not need to be watered too often, as it grows well in dry soil. In moist and poorly drained soils, rosemary usually does not survive. He reacts very negatively to excess water. It is one of the most drought tolerant plants, but quite sensitive to low temperatures.
Planting rosemary in the garden is carried out in the spring, from April to May. Seeds can be placed in soil or pots. Seedlings are easy to buy throughout the season at garden centers, bazaars and even supermarkets.
This is definitely a faster and more reliable way to get a plant than growing from seed. It grows quickly and has vertical branching.
Watering
Rosemary needs moderate watering. In the early stages of growth, the plant should be watered regularly. It is generally drought tolerant, however, when summer heat prevails, rosemary should be provided with a little water. Prolonged lack of water or a dry summer can dry out the plant. When the plant needs watering, its leaves wither. Excessive moisture is much more dangerous for the grass than drying out. .
rosemary fertilizer
In the spring, it should be fed with nutrients, preferably of organic origin (compost). It is not necessary to fertilize in summer. The last time before winter you can feed in August. Avoid fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.
When and how is rosemary pruned?
The grass is pruned after flowering. Remove dry and weak shoots, and at the same time limit its growth by cutting off the top. From time to time, the tops of the shoots are cut off, as this has a positive effect on their density. This will force the plant to produce new branches. Old wood cannot be cut. Every 3-4 years, you can do a strong anti-aging pruning, cutting branches 10-15 cm from the ground to renew lignified shoots.
How Rosemary is Propagated
Rosemary is propagated by cuttings, seeds and layering. For cuttings in the spring, shoots are cut from the top of the plant 10 cm long.
Remove the lower leaves, and place the cuttings in the substrate in a shaded area. After three to four months, the scion will give roots, and it can be transplanted to a permanent place, in a garden or in a pot. The cuttings root easily. Cuttings can be carried out during almost the entire growing season, except for the flowering period.
Additional Information! Propagation of rosemary seeds is a much longer process. Seeds are not covered with soil because they need light to germinate. Germination can take a long time, even up to a month.
When the seedlings release the first pair of true leaves, they are carefully transplanted one by one into pots.
What diseases and insects affect rosemary?
Rosemary is rarely attacked by pests. Only on a weakened plant can whiteflies appear. However, rosemary is susceptible to late blight, leaf spot and rot caused by excess water in the substrate. In conditions of high humidity and poor ventilation, rosemary can be affected by various fungal diseases that affect both the root and foliage.
To protect rosemary, spray it with an ecological sulfur solution or homemade baking soda solution by dissolving 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in 2 liters of water.
To protect against moths, mealybugs and wild rosemary beetles, spray with a solution of 20 g of grated green soap and 5 ml of alcohol in 1 liter of water.
Rosemary harvest
The grass should be cut just before flowering, as that is when the aromatic oils reach their peak. Cut off the number of branches per year, equal to that which is left.
The collected leaf sprigs are dried and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve the flavor. Dried rosemary has a much longer shelf life than fresh rosemary, but is best used within a year.
What you need to know about wintering rosemary?
This plant is not very frost tolerant. There are varieties of rosemary that are resistant to low temperatures. However, the bush may not survive high temperature drops. Where there are particularly unfavorable climatic conditions, it is better to transplant rosemary planted in a flower bed for the winter into a pot, and before the onset of the first frost, move it to warm rooms. The pot can also be buried in the ground.
Healing properties of rosemary
Rosemary is classified as a medicinal plant because of the essential oils it contains.
It is a rich source of antioxidants, which play an important role in neutralizing harmful free radicals.
The use of rosemary for the treatment of various diseases and health problems:
- strengthens the immune system and improves blood circulation;
- has powerful antioxidant properties that help prevent or slow down the aging process;
- Helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol and other fats in the blood
- reduces the risk of kidney disease, as it helps reduce the concentration of acid in the blood;
- may be useful in the treatment of stomach ailments such as gastritis, ulcers and diarrhoea;
- May help reduce the risk of lung disease as it helps reduce inflammation and boost immunity.
- has a protective effect on brain cells, promoting recovery.
What are the benefits of rosemary for the treatment of various diseases and health problems? Preparations with the addition of rosemary improve digestion, lower blood pressure and relax.
In general, rosemary can be used to decorate the garden and add flavor, like a spice in the kitchen. It is a highly aromatic herb in the form of fresh or dried leaves and is a great addition to meats and vegetables.
