What Do Rosemary Seeds Look Like? A Guide to Identifying and Planting This Classic Herb

With its distinctive piney fragrance and flavor rosemary is a beloved herb for seasoning meats soups, breads, and more. While this woody perennial can easily be propagated from cuttings, growing rosemary from seed can be rewarding yet challenging. If you want to try your hand at planting rosemary from seed, it helps to know what the seeds look like.

In this article, we’ll cover rosemary seed identification, harvesting and storing, when to plant, germination times, proper planting techniques, and tips for growing success Read on for a complete guide to getting to know rosemary seeds and how to grow this classic herb from seed

Appearance of Rosemary Seeds

Rosemary seeds are tiny measuring just 1 to 2 millimeters long. They have an oblong, somewhat cylindrical shape with pointed ends. The hard outer seed coat varies in color from yellowish green to tan brown or dark gray.

When removed from the dried seed pods, rosemary seeds often have bits of the papery bracts or fine hairs still attached, giving them a fuzzy, hairy, or wrinkled texture. Under magnification, you may notice a net-like pattern on the surface. But overall the seeds are very small and smooth, without any prominent markings or stripes.

Harvesting and Collecting Rosemary Seeds

Rosemary seeds form in late spring to early summer after the small purple or blue flowers fade. The flowers give way to brown colored seed pods, with each one containing two to three seeds.

Monitor the pods closely through summer as they ripen and begin splitting open when the seeds are mature. Cut or twist off the individual pods as soon as they start to dry out and turn brown.

Place the harvested pods into paper bags or buckets. Spread them out in a single layer on screens or trays to finish drying indoors out of direct sunlight.

After a week or two, gently rub or crush the pods to separate the seeds. Remove any debris like bits of pod material or flower bracts.

Let the cleaned seeds air dry for about another week before storing in airtight containers in a cool, dark location.

When to Plant Rosemary Seeds

Due to their hard outer coat, fresh rosemary seeds exhibit dormancy and can take a month or longer to germinate. They need a period of cold, moist stratification first to break dormancy.

For best results, stratify the seeds 1-2 months before planting. Place them between damp paper towels in a sealed bag or container and refrigerate. Check periodically and remoisten the towels as needed.

When ready to plant, start rosemary seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Provide warmth and bright light to encourage germination, which can still take 14-28 days even after stratifying. Grow the seedlings on until weather has stabilized before hardening off and transplanting outside.

You can also directly sow seeds outdoors in fall in areas with mild winters. The natural winter cold and moisture will naturally stratify them for germination the following spring.

How to Plant Rosemary Seeds

Since rosemary seeds are tiny, take care when handling them and don’t plant too deeply. Follow these tips:

• Fill starter trays or pots with sterile, well-draining seed starting mix. Moisten before planting.

• Sow seeds on the surface or no more than 1⁄4 inch deep. Space 1 inch apart.

• Cover lightly with mix or vermiculite if needed, but don’t bury too deep.

• Maintain warm soil temperatures around 70°F. Keep evenly moist but not saturated.

• Once sprouted, move to brighter light. Thin seedlings to 2-3 of the strongest per pot.

• Harden off before transplanting into well-drained soil in full sun once weather is stable. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.

Growing Rosemary from Seeds

Here’s a quick summary of how to grow rosemary from seeds:

• Harvest rosemary seeds when pods dry out and open in summer. Dry, remove debris, and store properly.

• Stratify seeds 1-2 months by refrigerating between moist paper towels before planting.

• Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost with heat and light. Or direct sow in fall.

• Sow seeds shallowly in sterile starting mix. Maintain warmth and moisture while germinating.

• Allow 1-4 weeks for slow germination. Thin or transplant seedlings when leaves appear.

• Transplant outdoors after hardening off, 18-24 inches apart in full sun and well-drained soil.

• Pinch back after flowering to encourage bushy regrowth.

• Harvest leaves as needed once established. Save seeds from buds to grow future plants.

Common Questions About Rosemary Seeds

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about identifying and planting rosemary seeds:

Where are the seeds located on rosemary plants?

The small seeds develop inside the brown seed pods that form after the flowers fade. Each pod contains 2-3 seeds located at the base of the flower clusters along the stems.

What do rosemary seed pods look like?

Initially green, the pods turn brown and papery as they mature and dry. About 5-8 mm long, they split open along one side when completely ripe and dry.

How long is the germination period for rosemary seeds?

Due to their hard seed coat, germination can take 1-4 weeks or even longer. Stratifying for 1-2 months before planting helps reduce germination time.

Should you soak rosemary seeds before planting?

Yes, soaking helps soften the hard outer coat and initiates germination. Soak in water overnight or up to 24 hours before planting.

How long do rosemary seeds remain viable?

Properly harvested, thoroughly dried, and stored seeds can remain viable to plant for 1-3 years when kept cool, dry, and away from moisture and light.

Can you grow rosemary from grocery store herbs?

Seeds found inside supermarket rosemary often won’t grow well since they are typically unripe and unviable. For best results, collect your own seeds or purchase from reputable sources.

Enjoying the Benefits of Homegrown Rosemary

Nicknamed the “herb of remembrance”, rosemary has long been used for its fragrance, flavor, and health benefits. While easily propagated from cuttings, growing rosemary from seed is rewarding though challenging.

Knowing what the small, hairy seeds look like, how to properly harvest and sow them, and providing the right growing conditions will increase your chances of success. Give your plants the warm temperatures, sunlight, and drainage they need to thrive. Soon you’ll be harvesting the piney, aromatic foliage to enhance your cooking.

The beautiful flowers also attract pollinators while producing seeds for future plantings. Incorporate homegrown rosemary seeds into your herb gardening and enjoy their benefits for years to come.