Soil — How to Grow
Propagate from cuttings rather than seed — take 10cm semi-ripe cuttings in summer, root in gritty compost. Plant in the sunniest, most sheltered spot in well-drained soil; rosemary hates wet winter roots. Prune lightly after flowering each year to keep the plant bushy and prevent it becoming leggy. Can be shaped into a hedge or trained over a wall. Hardy to around -10°C in free-draining conditions but can be killed by wet cold. In containers, raise the pot on feet to ensure drainage.
Space plants 60cm apart
Watch Out For
Carrot
Cabbage
Sage
Regional Growing Guides
Uk
Sow
Mar, Apr
Harvest
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Smoke — In the Kitchen
Rosemary is a robust, aromatic herb with a distinctive pine-like fragrance and a slightly peppery, woody flavour. It brings a bold, earthy note to dishes, making it a natural partner for BBQ cooking. When used over fire, rosemary's oils release a fragrant smoke that infuses meat and vegetables with a subtle, smoky depth. It stands up particularly well to longer cooking times, making it ideal for slow-roasted lamb, pork, and hearty vegetables. Its needle-like leaves can be used whole as skewers or finely chopped to create marinades and rubs. When buying rosemary, look for fresh sprigs that are vibrant green and free from wilting or browning. Fresh rosemary will have a stronger aroma and flavour compared to dried, which can sometimes taste muted or dusty. If you opt for dried rosemary, choose a high-quality product with intact leaves rather than crushed powder, as the texture and flavour will be better preserved. Rosemary is versatile and can be used fresh or dried, but fresh is preferred for grilling and smoking to maximise the herb's natural oils. To store fresh rosemary, keep it wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag in the fridge. This method helps maintain its freshness for up to two weeks. Alternatively, rosemary can be frozen in oil or water to preserve its flavour for longer periods. Dried rosemary should be stored in an airtight container away from light and heat to maintain its potency. Using rosemary in your BBQ repertoire adds complexity and a classic British garden touch to your fire-cooked meals.
Prep
Use the whole sprig or strip leaves. Assertive and pungent — use with intention. Fresh sprigs make excellent natural skewers: strip to a point.
Cook
One of the few herbs that improves with fire. Throw a whole sprig onto the coals for fragrant smoke. Use as skewers for lamb and vegetables. Brilliant with lamb, pork, and root vegetables over the grill.
