How to Winterize Rosemary Plants

A fragrant and flavorful herb used in many dishes, rosemary can be grown relatively easily in any herb garden. When winter comes, however, your strong, productive rosemary may suffer from exposure to cold temperatures. Bring it indoors, or winterize it by cutting the plant back and covering it. In the spring your rosemary should be ready to give you wonderful new growth and scents.

Care For Rosemary Plants

Rosemary is one of those plants that multitasks very well. It grows in hard-to-grow places, such as rocks and dry areas. And it provides you with a seasoning that can flavor your food all year long. Rosemary is great for seasoning poultry, lamb, stews and soups. Rosemary is a member of the mint family. If you want to get a head start, you can plant seeds or cuttings indoors, eight to 10 weeks before the last spring frost. Rosemary may survive the winter and return in the spring, especially in Zones 7 through 9, and possibly in Zone 6 if planted in a sheltered area. Rosemary grows very well indoors. Choose a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day. Rosemary will grow about 4 feet tall and equally as wide. Water deeply once or twice a week throughout the growing season, depending on the weather. In very wet, heavy soil, rosemary is subject to root rot. Prune the stems when the plant starts to look ragged. In the spring, use a slow-release fertilizer. If you decide to plant your indoor rosemary outdoors in the spring, remove it from the pot, cut away dead and circling roots and break up the root ball before planting. Rosemary can be used as a flavoring for grilled bread and can be used in a marinade with wine, olive oil and garlic.