Rosmarinus Officinalis - Rosemary | |
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| Characteristics:
Tender
shrub with glossy, strongly scented, evergreen needlelike leaves with a flashy
light stripe below and blue, lavender, or white flowers. Flowers are borne
on old growth in late winter. When grown outside in warm climates (zones 8-10),
most rosemary cultivars can grow up to 6 feet high. Prostrate forms creep along
the ground. Growing Information: In warm climates, plant rosemary in well-drained soil and full sun, spacing plants 2 to 3 feet apart. Prune lightly to shape. In cold climates, grow rosemary in pots to bring indoors during winter. Put them in a sunny window or under artifical lights. Use well-drained potting mix and be careful you don't water so much that the soil gets soggy. Fertilize once a month during the growing season with dilute, balanced, organic fertilizer. Cultivars: In zone 7, try extra-hardy 'Arp' or 'Hill Hardy'. For a bright white flower, grow R. officinalis 'Albus'. For baskets or ground covers, try low-growing creeping rosemary, R. officinalis 'Prostratus'. Propagation: Start new plants by layering or stem cuttings. Rosemary will grow from seed, but the process is slow and the seedlings are not true to cultivar. Possible Problems: Provide well-drained soil to prevent root rot and good air circulation to discourage powdery mildew. Harvesting and Using: Rosemary has a strong flavor. Use it in bouquet garni with chicken, meat, vegetable, and tomato dishes - pull the leathery sprigs out before serving. You can use rosemary dried or fresh (snip or mince finely). | |
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