Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.~Marcel Proust
Rosemary
Perennial in USDA zones 8 or warmer. (Will not tolerate temperatures below 20 degrees F) This classic heirloom herb has a piney flavor that is a must for lamb, pork, poultry, carrots, and peas. The very aromatic scent of rosemary will make you fall in love with this herb. Try using it to freshen your bath water, steeping it in boiling water and inhaling to clear your head when you have a cold, and to scent potpourris. In cooking, it has a nice synergy with other herbs such as chives, thyme, parsley, and bay. Both leaves and flowers are edible. An excellent container variety you can bring it indoors and put it in a sunny window to have fresh leaves and let it ride out the winter. This is the upright variety, reaching 2'-4' tall in mild climates.
When to plant outside: In USDA zones 8 or warmer (winter temperatures NOT below 15-20 degrees F), sow in spring after the average last frost. In climates that are colder, sow seed in pots to grow outside during summer and inside during winter. (Rosemary is very slow growing and will not reach harvestable size if not brought indoors during the winter.)
When to start inside: RECOMMENDED. 8-10 weeks before average last frost.
Special Germination Instructions: Starting seed indoors is recommended as germination can be very slow and erratic. (All Botanical Interest seed lots are pretested to make sure you are only getting the best quality.) Once seedlings have sprouted, Rosemary is also VERY slow growing and usually does not get to harvestable size in the first season. Bring indoors during the winter.
Harvesting: Remove sprigs as needed. Best flavor occurs just before flowering.
Excellent Wedding Favor – Ancient Greek brides wore rosemary in their bridal crowns, and it has been used as a traditional symbol of remembrance and fidelity ever since. In the Middle Ages, sprigs of gold-dipped rosemary tied with a ribbon were popular wedding favors and were meant to symbolize the fact that the bride and groom were starting a new life, but would never forget their past acquaintances. English brides also wore it on their veils as a symbol of love and marriage.
