How to Grow Rosemary in Florida

Climate and Growing Conditions

Rosemary is an ideal herb for Florida’s hot, sunny, and humid climate. This drought-tolerant, perennial herb can thrive in both northern and southern Florida, where it will remain evergreen year-round. Rosemary is well-suited to Florida’s sandy, well-draining soil, but care must be taken to prevent excess moisture in Florida’s rainy season.

Best Time to Plant:
In Florida, rosemary can be planted year-round, but the best time to start is in the cooler months of fall and winter (October to February). The mild Florida winters offer ideal growing conditions, giving rosemary time to establish before the heat of summer.

Soil Preparation

Rosemary thrives in well-drained, sandy soils, which makes it perfect for many parts of Florida, especially near the coast. However, in areas where the soil retains more moisture, it’s important to improve drainage to prevent root rot.

  • Soil pH: Rosemary prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
  • Soil Amendments: If your soil is too dense or retains too much moisture, amend it with sand, perlite, or gravel to improve drainage. Rosemary roots are very sensitive to waterlogged soil, so ensuring proper drainage is crucial in Florida’s humid environment.

Planting

Rosemary can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or transplants. Cuttings and transplants are the fastest ways to establish a rosemary plant, as growing from seed can be slow.

Spacing:
Space rosemary plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for their natural growth. Rosemary can grow up to 4 feet tall and wide, making it a large, bushy herb.

Location:
Choose a location that receives full sun for at least 6-8 hours per day. Rosemary thrives in the Florida sun and can tolerate the high heat, though in southern Florida, some afternoon shade during peak summer may help reduce plant stress.

Watering and Care

  • Watering: Once established, rosemary is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings. In Florida’s rainy season, ensure your rosemary is not sitting in waterlogged soil by planting it in raised beds or pots if necessary.
  • Fertilization: Rosemary doesn’t need much fertilization. Over-fertilizing can reduce the concentration of essential oils, which are responsible for the plant’s flavor. A light application of compost in the spring is usually enough.
  • Pruning: Prune rosemary regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Cutting it back by about one-third each spring helps to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

Overwintering in Florida

Rosemary grows as an evergreen perennial in Florida’s warm climate. It can tolerate the occasional cold snap in northern parts of the state, but no extra winter protection is necessary in southern Florida. In areas that do experience frost, you can apply mulch around the base of the plant and cover it with frost cloth during especially cold nights.

In southern Florida, rosemary will thrive year-round without any special care.

Harvesting

Rosemary can be harvested year-round in Florida due to the mild climate. Snip off sprigs as needed, but avoid over-harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time. The best time to harvest is in the morning when the oils are most concentrated, typically before the plant flowers.

Tip: Rosemary grows well in containers, so you can keep a potted plant on your porch or patio for easy access and move it around as needed to protect it from excess rain or intense summer sun.

Conclusion

Florida’s warm, sunny climate provides ideal growing conditions for rosemary, allowing it to thrive as a perennial herb. With its tolerance for heat and drought, rosemary can be grown year-round in most parts of the state. By planting in well-drained soil and providing plenty of sun, you can enjoy a thriving rosemary plant that produces fragrant, flavorful sprigs for culinary and medicinal uses year-round.