The Scent of the Mediterranean: A Guide to Growing Rosemary
We greatly appreciate the use of aromatic plants in our daily lives. You don’t need a large garden to grow them. To grow basil, sage, parsley, and rosemary, all you need is a small pot that you can place on your balcony or in your kitchen.
Aromatic plants are characterized by their incredible fragrance. They’re extremely convenient to have on the patio, windowsill, or in the kitchen, as simply picking a few leaves is enough to flavor sauces and dishes. Even the simplest sauce gets an extra kick of flavor with a few basil leaves. When preparing roasts, the classic sprig of rosemary is a must, lending its unmistakable, intense aroma. Parsley is excellent for seasoning fish and is used raw.
A symbol of Mediterranean countries, rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is an extremely robust and easy-to-grow plant. The leaves are the most commonly used part of this plant. In spring, beautiful purple flowers appear on rosemary. When a plant is suffering or experiencing problems, it reveals this through its appearance and condition. If it isn’t flowering or growing, it means it’s not healthy.
It may initially be due to an excess of nitrogen in the soil. In nature, rosemary typically grows in sandy, often nutrient-poor soils. Therefore, it doesn’t require many nutrients. Using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer will only promote leaf growth, not flower growth.
Rosemary needs plenty of light. This plant thrives in full sun. In fact, the intensity of its fragrance, the flavor of its leaves, and the appearance of its flowers all depend on the amount of sunlight. If you plant rosemary in a shady location, it won’t survive long, as it won’t grow or bloom well. If your plant is in the shade, it’s better to grow it in a sunny location.
To grow rosemary, choose an area that receives more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. This plant also needs good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. In summary, if your rosemary isn’t growing or flowering, simply ensure the pot is fully exposed to sunlight and avoid adding fertilizer.
