Why should you grow rosemary in your garden?
Rosemary is not just an herb but also a medicinal plant. Additionally, there are many benefits to growing it in your garden:
- Rosemary has a pleasant fragrance,
which can have a soothing effect around the house.
- It is also used in cooking
(infusing tea or seasoning meat).
- Planting rosemary around your home
can help repel mosquitoes, freshen the air, and eliminate odors and
humidity.
- Rosemary is also beneficial as a
mouthwash and a hair rinse.
Therefore, this article will compile successful experiences in planting and caring for rosemary in Vietnam. If you are interested in growing this plant, please refer to the following.
Guide to selecting rosemary cuttings for planting
When it comes to planting rosemary, it is best to use cuttings. Many forums discuss failures in growing rosemary from seeds. According to My Garden's research, rosemary should not be grown from seeds due to two reasons: (1) It's challenging to obtain high-quality seeds from this plant until it's a few years old; (2) The germination rate from seeds is also very low.
Therefore,
growing rosemary from cuttings is the most effective method. If you cannot
obtain pre-rooted rosemary cuttings, consider purchasing plants directly from
farms. Remember not to buy rosemary seeds online, as the plants you receive may
not be what you expect.
When selecting
from a nursery, choose pots with multiple stems and well-draining soil (lift
the pot to check for lightness). Multiple stems will provide you with more rosemary
plants to grow. Additionally, well-draining soil will facilitate better rosemary
care.
Beginners should avoid purchasing rosemary pots with dense soil (heavy and sticky when lifted), as these plants may look beautiful but are prone to dying when brought home.
Detailed guide on planting rosemary from cuttings at home
Prepare soil and potting mix for planting rosemary
Proper potting
mix is crucial for the survival of rosemary. Rosemary prefers well-draining
soil, so simply using store-bought soil or mixing it like for leafy greens will
likely cause the plant to perish after a few heavy waterings due to root rot.
Therefore, when
planting rosemary at home, use a potting mix consisting of: 3 parts loam soil,
1 part sand or perlite, 3 parts coconut coir, and 1 part organic compost.
Additionally,
choose pots with good drainage. Small pots should have many drainage holes,
while larger pots should have one large drainage hole with a layer of charcoal
or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage. When planting rosemary, ensure the
pot's mouth is wide to prevent root suffocation and excess moisture.
How much water does rosemary need?
Rosemary can
withstand dry conditions but to keep it lush and healthy, regular watering is
necessary.
In the context
of planting rosemary from cuttings, observe the soil surface. Insert your
finger about 3 cm into the soil. If the soil feels dry, water thoroughly; if
moist, refrain from watering. Additionally, you can lift the pot to check its
weight; if it feels light, it's likely dry.
The watering
principle is always to water thoroughly at the base until water drains out of
the pot's bottom. Signs of dehydration in rosemary include curling and dry
leaves.
Watering
experience suggests watering twice a day during full sun days and once a day
during winter. Remember, rosemary requires good drainage, so avoid overwatering
if using dense soil, as it can lead to root rot and plant death.
Does rosemary need a lot of sunlight?
Rosemary
prefers full sun conditions. Without enough sunlight, the plant may become
leggy, curl its leaves, or develop blackened foliage. Therefore, rosemary
should ideally be grown outdoors unless you have a large, sunny,
well-ventilated room with large windows.
In theory, rosemary needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in tropical countries like Vietnam, where sunlight is abundant, placing it where it gets about 4 hours of sun per day should suffice. Of course, mature rosemary plants can tolerate full-day sun once established. For newly planted rosemary, morning sun exposure is preferable to avoid leaf burn from midday sun.
Guide to rosemary care
After
successfully planting rosemary from cuttings, it requires dedicated care due to
its somewhat 'high-maintenance' nature.
Regular pruning of rosemary
Rosemary does
not require heavy feeding, but occasional fertilization promotes vigorous
growth. A simple option is to use rice water for watering. For more substantial
feeding, apply organic fertilizer around the pot's edge once a month.
Rosemary
benefits greatly from pruning. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and
keeps the plant healthy. When transplanting into a new pot, trim the roots
lightly and prune all wilted or tangled branches. Afterward, pruning can be
done daily or every 2-3 months to maintain the plant's shape.
Pruning helps
rejuvenate the plant and stimulates vigorous growth. Rosemary leaves have many
applications, so don't hesitate to prune for the sake of the plant's health.
Preventing pests and diseases in rosemary
As a medicinal
plant, rosemary is generally resistant to diseases. However, in Vietnam's humid
climate, it may still suffer from fungal attacks. Here's how to care for it:
- Remove all diseased branches and
prune for better airflow.
- Spray leaves daily and use lime
water spray sparingly.
- Avoid using chemical pesticides
available on the market, as they may harm the plant.
If the plant
shows leaf curling, it indicates insufficient sunlight. In such cases, move the
rosemary to a sunnier spot.
This detailed guide covers how to grow rosemary from cuttings. Due to its many benefits in daily life, consider growing it in your garden.
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