When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Rosemary is a popular culinary herb in the home garden. It can be planted either in the ground or in containers, but depending on how you grow this herb, how you water your rosemary plant differs.
Rosemary is a popular herb grown both indoors and outdoors for its fragrant foliage and culinary uses. While rosemary is drought-tolerant, it still needs proper watering to thrive. So how often should you water a rosemary plant? The frequency depends on several factors.
Key Factors That Determine Rosemary’s Water Needs
There are a few key factors that affect how often you need to water rosemary:
Plant Age
-
Young rosemary plants need more frequent watering, about 2-3 times per week This helps new transplants establish roots
-
Mature rosemary plants need less frequent watering, only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Established rosemary can go weeks without watering.
Planting Location
-
Outdoor rosemary needs less water, only during severe drought, as it can access groundwater.
-
Potted rosemary needs more frequent watering about 1-2 times per week as its roots are more limited.
Climate and Season
-
Rosemary needs more water during hot, dry summers and less during cool, rainy winters.
-
In rainy climates, rosemary may need no watering at all once established. In arid climates, water deeply a few times per summer.
Soil Type
-
Sandy well-drained soils require more frequent watering.
-
Heavy clay soils that retain moisture require less frequent watering.
Best Practices for Watering Rosemary
Taking these factors into account, here are some best practices for watering rosemary:
For Outdoors Rosemary
-
Water new transplants 2-3 times per week for the first 1-2 weeks to establish roots.
-
After establishment, water mature plants only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. This can be as infrequent as every 2-4 weeks.
-
During hot, dry summers provide a deep watering 2-4 times per season if rainfall is lacking. Otherwise rainfall is sufficient.
-
In rainy climates, established rosemary may need no supplemental water at all.
For Potted Rosemary
-
Water young plants 2-3 times per week.
-
Water mature plants when the top inch of soil is dry, about 1-2 times per week.
-
Water more frequently during hot summers (up to 2-3 times per week) and less in cool winters (once every 1-2 weeks).
-
Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Watering Tips
-
Water early in the day to reduce evaporation.
-
Water until it drains from the bottom of the pot to flush salts from the soil.
-
Feel the soil to determine if watering is needed rather than relying on a set schedule.
-
Reduce watering in rainy seasons and winter when growth has slowed.
-
If leaves are drooping but soil is wet, the plant is overwatered. Allow soil to dry out before watering again.
Signs Your Rosemary Needs Water
It’s important to pay attention to visual cues to know if your rosemary needs water:
- Dry, brittle leaves
- Wilting or drooping leaves and stems
- Leaves dropping off
- Soil is very dry 1-2 inches down
Dangers of Overwatering Rosemary
Too much water can harm or kill rosemary. Signs of overwatering include:
- Stems turning yellow or soft
- Leaves turning brown or black
- Foul odor indicating root rot
- Wilt despite moist soil (due to damaged roots)
Rosemary highly prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Well-drained soil is critical to prevent soggy conditions. Overwatering is the most common reason rosemary dies. When in doubt, err on the side of underwatering this Mediterranean herb.
To summarize, rosemary is drought-tolerant but does need occasional deep watering to thrive. Water young plants more frequently, about 2-3 times per week. Mature rosemary only needs watering every 2-4 weeks or when the top inch of soil is dry. Outdoor rosemary needs less supplemental water than potted plants. Adjust frequency based on climate, season, and soil type. Pay close attention to visual cues and always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. With proper irrigation, rosemary is an easy-care herb that can thrive for years.
How to Water a Rosemary Plant in the Ground
Rosemary is a plant that is easy to grow in the ground, mostly because its rather drought tolerant. A newly planted rosemary needs to be watered frequently for the first week or two to help it become established, but after its been established, it needs little in the way of watering other than rainfall. Rosemary is drought tolerant and can go quite some time without being watered when planted in the ground. In fact, often what will kill a rosemary plant growing in the ground is too much water, and rosemary is very sensitive to drainage. It doesnt like to grow in soil that doesnt drain well and can succumb to root rot if left in soil that stays too wet. It is because of this, you should make sure to plant your rosemary in well draining soil. After its established, only water in times of severe drought.
Watering Rosemary Plants in Containers
While rosemary grown in the ground needs little water from the gardener, rosemary grown in containers is another matter. A rosemary plant in a container doesnt have the chance to grow an extensive root system to seek out water like the plants in the ground. Due to this, they are far less drought tolerant and need to be watered frequently. Like ground-planted rosemary, those grown in containers are also sensitive to drainage. With container-grown rosemary, water the plant when the soil is just dry to the touch on the top. Its important that you dont let the soil dry out completely as rosemary plants lack signals like droopy leaves or wilted stems to let you know they are dangerously low on water. They can actually die before you realize there was ever a problem. Therefore, always keep the soil of your potted rosemary at least a little moist. On the flip side, make sure the pot has excellent drainage. If the soil becomes too wet, the plant can easily develop root rot and die.
The Ultimate Guide: How Often to Water Rosemary Plants
FAQ
How often should I water potted rosemary?
-
Check the soil:Before watering, stick your finger into the soil to a depth of about an inch. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
-
Water thoroughly:When you do water, give the plant a good soaking, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot’s drainage holes.
-
Adjust frequency:
- Weather: In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, more humid conditions, you might need to water less often.
- Pot size: Smaller pots dry out faster than larger ones, so monitor them more closely.
- Plant maturity: Newly planted rosemary may need more frequent watering to establish roots, but once established, they are more drought-tolerant.
- Location: If you’re growing rosemary indoors, you may need to water less frequently, as the plant won’t be exposed to as much sun and evaporation as it would outdoors.
- Weather: In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, more humid conditions, you might need to water less often.
-
Avoid overwatering:Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s better to err on the side of underwatering, especially for rosemary, which prefers drier conditions.
-
Sunlight:Rosemary thrives in full sun, so ensure your potted rosemary receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
-
Drainage:Make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent water from sitting at the bottom and causing root rot.
-
Fertilizing:Rosemary is a low-maintenance plant and doesn’t require frequent fertilization. You can add a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring, but avoid over-fertilizing.
Can rosemary be overwatered?
Too much water, and you’re inviting fungi to a party at your plant’s expense. Too little, and your rosemary might start penning its last will and testament.
Does rosemary need full sun?
-
Sunlight Requirements:Rosemary is a Mediterranean plant, meaning it naturally thrives in warm, sunny environments. It needs ample sunlight to grow and produce its characteristic aroma and flavor.
-
Minimum Sunlight:Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
-
Consequences of Insufficient Sunlight:If rosemary doesn’t receive enough sunlight, it may become weak, lack vigor, and produce less fragrance. In severe shade, the plant may even die.
-
Indoor Growing:If growing rosemary indoors, ensure it receives bright, direct sunlight, ideally from a south-facing window. You may need to supplement with grow lights if natural light is limited.
-
Outdoor Growing:When growing rosemary outdoors, choose a location that receives full sun and well-drained soil, as rosemary is susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions.
-
Signs of Insufficient Sunlight:If your rosemary plant is looking pale, spindly, or has weak growth, it could be a sign that it’s not getting enough sunlight.
How do I keep my rosemary plant happy?
Rosemary needs cool and moist conditions in wintertime, as well as a good amount of sunlight (or artificial light that doesn’t emit heat).Dec 18, 2017
How often should you water a Rosemary plant?
If your region gets regular rainfall throughout the season, mature plants likely won’t need irrigation. If you live in a dry region, give rosemary a deep watering just 3 or 4 times per summer. It only needs moisture during the hottest, longest droughts. If you are growing in heavy soil with high clay content, your plant may rarely need water.
How much rosemary should one take at a time?
It is recommended to use 4 to 6 grams of rosemary per day in the preparation of teas or food. The dry extract of 0. 3 to 1g daily, divided into 2 to 3 intakes and the essential oil 100 to 150 mg a day.
Does Rosemary need to be watered?
Rosemary is drought tolerant and can go quite some time without being watered when planted in the ground. In fact, often what will kill a rosemary plant growing in the ground is too much water, and rosemary is very sensitive to drainage.
How do you water a Rosemary plant?
It depends on how you grow it, though. If you grow your rosemary directly in the ground, the best way to water it is to just pour the water on the soil around the plant. It is best to get as close to the soil as possible when you pour the water to avoid splashing soil onto the plant’s foliage.
Are You watering your Rosemary plants too much?
Some signs that you are watering your rosemary plants too much: While powdery mildew doesn’t always take root when a plant is overwatered, it is caused by overwatering. It kind of looks like you would expect it to – white powder on the leaves of your rosemary plant.
How do you care for a Rosemary plant?
Make sure to plant rosemary in a location with well drained soil, even sandy soil is great, and doesn’t too much water. If the roots of rosemary sit in water too long, they can develop issues like root rot or fungal diseases.