Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Aromatic Mediterranean herb with needle-like leaves. A culinary essential that thrives in sunny windows with minimal watering.
About Rosemary
Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary is a culinary staple with intensely aromatic, needle-like leaves. It prefers sunny, dry conditions and can be challenging indoors due to high light needs and susceptibility to powdery mildew in stuffy conditions.
High Light
Needs maximum light—6+ hours of direct sun. Insufficient light is the top reason rosemary fails indoors.
Ideal window: South-facing windows are essential. West-facing windows can work but may not provide enough hours of direct sun. Rosemary needs the brightest spot in your home.
Note: Window direction recommendations are based on the Northern Hemisphere.
Rosemary needs excellent air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Don't crowd it with other plants, and ensure good airflow.
Low — Every 1-2 weeks
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Don't let roots sit in water. Rosemary tolerates drought better than wet conditions.
Prefers dry conditions with good air circulation. Humidity promotes fungal problems.
Cool Tolerant — 40-80°F
Comfortable at 40-80°F (4-27°C). Tolerates cool conditions and benefits from cooler winter temperatures.
Yellowing, dropping needles
Overwatering or root rot. Let soil dry more between waterings.
Powdery mildew
Fungal issue from poor air circulation. Improve airflow and avoid crowding.
Leggy growth
Insufficient light. Provide maximum sun.
Rosemary works in sunny kitchen windows where it's handy for cooking. Can be trained into topiaries or small trees. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Bottom Watering Compatibility
Allow to dry between waterings. Rosemary prefers slightly dry conditions.