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Plus, tips for storing & drying this fragrant herb
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Rosemary is a robust herb that is easy to grow and care for at home . The fragrant leaves of the rosemary bush taste delicious in all kinds of recipes and add a wonderful scent to soaps and other home goods. To harvest your rosemary, simply snip off sprigs in the spring, summer, and fall. In this article, we’ll go over the best time to harvest rosemary, how to cut it, and how to refrigerate, freeze, and dry this herb!
The Best Way to Harvest Rosemary
Harvest rosemary in the spring and summer for the best flavor, aroma, and oil content. Look for tender (not woody) branches that are at least 8 in (20 cm) long. Then, use clean shears or scissors to snip off 2-3 in (5-7.6 cm) sprigs of rosemary from the stems.
Steps
Section 2 of 5:
Harvesting Rosemary
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Harvest from tender branches that are at least 8 in (20 cm) long. Look for long sprigs of rosemary that are thin and springy rather than woody. [5] X Research source Taking cuttings from tender branches encourages more growth while new branches can’t regrow from thick, woody stems. [6] X Research source
- The tender sprigs are also usually more flavorful than thicker, woodier stems.
- Grow several plants at once to ensure you always have long branches to harvest. The number of plants you’ll need varies on their size, but 2-3 should be fine for most people.
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Cut off the top 2 in (5 cm) of each sprig with shears or scissors. Only snip off 2 to 3 inches (5-7.6 cm) from the stem so some green leaves are left on each branch; this helps encourage branching and regrowth. Just make sure you use clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears to make your cuttings . [7] X Research source
- Disinfect your scissors or shears with rubbing alcohol before harvesting rosemary. This helps protect your plant from bacteria and diseases. [8] X Research source
- Put the clipped rosemary sprigs in a basket or bowl.
- If you just want to use a small amount of fresh rosemary at a time, simply pick off a few leaves from the top of a sprig. [9] X Research source
- Don’t cut more rosemary than you need at once.
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Don’t harvest more than ¼ of a rosemary bush at one time. Leave at least ¾ of the plant intact to ensure it continues to thrive and produce new sprigs. Just let the rosemary plant grow back before you harvest more of it. [10] X Research source
- Use the harvested rosemary in your cooking
. Chef Ollie George Cigliano says rosemary pairs well with protein like poultry, lamb, fish, pork, and eggs. She also recommends flavoring veggies like potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and eggplant with rosemary. [11]
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Expert Source
Ollie George Cigliano
Private Chef & Food Educator Expert Interview. 30 August 2021. - Make self-care products with rosemary, too. For instance, mix rosemary into homemade soap or make rosemary water for your hair .
- Remember not to harvest rosemary too close to winter because it will not grow back very fast. Perform your last harvest at least 1 month before the first frost so it has time to grow back before winter sets in. Bigger, fuller rosemary bushes are able to survive winter better.
- Use the harvested rosemary in your cooking
. Chef Ollie George Cigliano says rosemary pairs well with protein like poultry, lamb, fish, pork, and eggs. She also recommends flavoring veggies like potatoes, squash, tomatoes, and eggplant with rosemary. [11]
X
Expert Source
Ollie George Cigliano
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Community Q&A
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QuestionIf a plant is growing in your garden why bother drying it?Community AnswerYou don't need to dry it, but you can if you'd like to preserve it for later use.
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QuestionHow tall can rosemary grow?Community AnswerRosemary is basically a bush, so it won't grow very tall. Depending on the climate and the soil, rosemary can grow to about four-feet in height if it isn't trimmed.
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QuestionAre the purple/white flowers on rosemary edible?Gavin DonnellyCommunity AnswerHello, yes the flowers of the rosemary plant are edible! They are best eaten fresh, and have a mild flavor, you could use them in a salad or as garnishes.
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Tips
- Rosemary doesn’t typically need to be fertilized. However, if your plant is growing slowly, apply a liquid or solid all-purpose fertilizer in the spring. [21] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Follow safety guidelines if you're making a rosemary oil infusion. If you don't properly make and refrigerate herb-infused oils, there may be a risk of botulism. [22] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/herbs/rosemary
- ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/harvesting-and-preserving-herbs-for-the-home-gardener
- ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/harvesting-and-preserving-herbs-for-the-home-gardener
- ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/harvesting-and-preserving-herbs-for-the-home-gardener
- ↑ https://www.gardenmandy.com/how-to-harvest-rosemary/
- ↑ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/rosemary-rosemarinus-officinalis/
- ↑ https://extension.illinois.edu/herbs/rosemary
- ↑ https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/how-do-i-sanitize-my-pruning-shears
- ↑ https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-rosemary/
- ↑ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/rosemary-rosemarinus-officinalis/
- ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/field-fork-rosemary
- ↑ ​​ https://www.allrecipes.com/how-to-store-fresh-rosemary-7856532
- ↑ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/harvesting-and-preserving-herbs-for-the-home-gardener
- ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/herb-infused-oils/
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/damaris-phillips/rosemary-infused-vinegar-2675715
- ↑ https://www.chefnotrequired.com/rosemary-butter/
- ↑ https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/rosemary-rosemarinus-officinalis/
- ↑ Steve Masley. Home & Garden Specialist. Expert Interview. 19 June 2019.
- ↑ https://www.rhs.org.uk/herbs/rosemary/grow-your-own
- ↑ https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2010/10/E-623-Easty-Gardening-Rosemary.pdf
- ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/herb-infused-oils/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To harvest rosemary, wait until spring or summer since that's when rosemary grows most actively. You can trim off some of the plant every day or once a week, which will encourage new sprigs to grow. Also, when you're harvesting rosemary, only take sprigs that are at least 8 inches long so you're not harvesting from newly growing branches. Once you've found a sprig you want to harvest, use shears or scissors to cut off the top 2 inches. Just make sure you're not harvesting more than a quarter of the plant at a time. To learn how to store fresh rosemary, scroll down!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My first time growing rosemary. Didn't know how to harvest it. So just cut a bit. Easy! My friend made shrimp with sprigs of it, and it was heaven. Want to do it myself. " ..." more
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"My first time growing rosemary. Didn't know how to harvest it. So just cut a bit. Easy! My friend made shrimp with sprigs of it, and it was heaven. Want to do it myself. "
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"This is my first attempt at a growing herbs, but I wasn't sure how to harvest them so they would continue to grow. This article is very helpful and detailed. Thanks!"
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"Liked actually reading specifics about harvesting and drying rosemary, your directions were very helpful."
"I was not sure when or how to harvest my rosemary plant. I read some good answers."
"Very helpful, since I have just received a rosemary plant as a gift. "
