How to Fertilize Rosemary
When Should I Start Feeding My Rosemary?
Rosemary's feeding window follows its spring growth flush, which starts earlier in warmer climates and later where frost lingers into April or May.
How Often Should I Fertilize My Rosemary?
Once a year is enough for most rosemary plants. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring when new growth appears. Container rosemary may benefit from a second light feeding in midsummer since nutrients wash out with watering.
Rosemary growing in the ground rarely needs more than one application. If the plant looks healthy and is putting out new growth, skip the extra feeding entirely.
Signs of over-fertilizing include leggy, floppy growth and reduced fragrance. If the leaves lose their strong scent, you are likely feeding too much. Under-fertilized rosemary stays compact and may yellow slightly at the base, but this is uncommon in decent soil.
What Is the Best Fertilizer for Rosemary?
Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that evolved in lean, rocky soil. It does best with a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 or a gentle all-purpose blend rather than anything high in nitrogen.
A slow-release granular fertilizer worked into the soil in spring is the simplest approach. If you prefer liquid, dilute it to half the label rate. Too much fertilizer actually reduces the concentration of essential oils, making your rosemary less fragrant and flavorful.
Organic options like compost or fish emulsion work well and are hard to overdo. A thin layer of compost around the base in spring gives rosemary everything it needs without the risk of salt buildup.
How Do I Fertilize My Rosemary?
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