I've got some rosemary - how to plant it?

soba

I've been given a twig? of rosemary with some little branches on. Is it possible to stick it in the ground and let it grow, or is it more complicated than that?
All ideas gratefully accepted!

Ted_Hutchinson

Rosemary Propogation scroll down the page a bit.

Chipps

soba wrote:

I've been given a twig? of rosemary with some little branches on. Is it possible to stick it in the ground and let it grow, or is it more complicated than that?
All ideas gratefully accepted!

My grandma does this and they grow - on the other had I have tried it and they just dry out and die. Maybe just give it a try & see if it survives! If not, ask for another piece (in spring would be best, judging by the link in ted hutchinson's post).

GreenFingers_2

I’m only guessing from your description that you have a fairly hard woody ‘twig’ which has a number of softer side shoots on it. If you plant it out in the garden as it is, at this time of the year, it will not survive. I think your best bet at the moment is to pull or tear each soft side shoot off the main stem in a downwards action so that the shoot has a ‘heel’. This ‘heel’ is a bit of the main woody stem still attached to the cutting.

Pop several of these little cuttings into a flowerpot full of potting compost and place them on the windowsill until Spring. Plant the cuttings about 3/4 to one inch deep. The idea is to keep them warm and moist but not wet in order that roots can develop.

Next Spring, when the weather starts to warm up – say about March/April, pot the cuttings up into larger pots but protect from any frosts. You may have to still keep them indoors or in a greenhouse. About May plant out into a dry sunny spot in the garden. Against a sunny wall or fence is ideal. The plants grow quite rapidly and make attractive border plants in their own right as well as being a useful herb. One Rosemary plant will provide enough herb material for you and your family and your neighbours for many years.

Pal

Chipps wrote:

My grandma does this and they grow - on the other had I have tried it and they just dry out and die.

Worth remembering that if this does happen, you can still stick the dead rosemary in a stew!

Chipps

that seems a fitting revenge......

soba

As I seem to have blagged a bit of rosemary at the wrong time of year, I'm afraid it's destined for a lovely leg of lamb. Can always beg a bit more next year I guess!

Thanks for all your suggestions.

jobbingmusician

Rosemary is delicious cooked with rhubarb too