Rosmarinus officinalis seeds, Salvia rosmarinus, Rosemary

Sowing **Rosmarinus officinalis** (rosemary) seeds is a simple method to grow this aromatic shrub, which is highly valued for its culinary, medicinal and ornamental uses. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing rosemary:

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### **Steps for sowing Rosmarinus officinalis**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Indoors**: From February to April, for an early start.
- **Outdoors**: From May to June, after the last frosts.

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#### **2. Harvesting or purchasing seeds:**
- **Seed harvest**:
- The seeds are found in the small capsules at the base of the dried flowers. Harvest them when the capsules are ripe and dry.

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#### **3. Preparation of the substrate or soil:**
- **Substrate type**:
- Mix seed starting soil with sand or perlite (2:1) for good drainage.
- **Preparation in open ground**:
- Loosen the soil and add sand to improve drainage if necessary, as rosemary prefers well-drained soil low in organic matter.

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#### **4. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In pots or boxes:**
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the containers with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Spread the seeds on the surface without burying them deeply (just lightly pressed into the substrate).
3. **Watering**:
- Lightly moisten with a spray bottle to avoid moving the seeds.

##### **In open ground:**
1. **Soil preparation**:
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 15 cm.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow the seeds to a maximum depth of **5 mm**.
3. **Spacing**:
- Leave **20 to 30 cm** between each sowing to allow good growth.

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#### **5. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Seeds germinate best between **20°C and 25°C**.
- **Light** :
- Place the seedlings in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight.
- **Humidity** :
- Maintain constant humidity by covering the pots with plastic film or a mini greenhouse.
- **Germination time**:
- Germination can take between **14 and 28 days**, sometimes longer.

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#### **6. Care after germination:**
1. **Remove the cover**:
- As soon as the first seedlings appear, remove the cover to avoid excess humidity.
2. **Lightening**:
- If the seedlings are too close together, thin them out to leave **5 to 10 cm** between them.
3. **Watering**:
- Water moderately, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot.

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#### **7. Replanting:**
- **When to transplant**:
- When the seedlings are about **5 to 10 cm** and their roots are well developed.
- **Potted transplanting**:
- Transplant the young plants into individual pots with a similar substrate.
- **Planting in open ground**:
- Wait until temperatures are stable and warm, usually after the last frosts.

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#### **8. Planting in open ground:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a sunny and well-ventilated location.
2. **Ground**:
- Choose well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil.
3. **Spacing**:
- Plant the rosemary plants about **50 to 70 cm** apart for bushy varieties.
4. **Watering**:
- Water lightly after planting, then reduce watering once plants are established.

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#### **9. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- Rosemary is drought tolerant. Water sparingly, especially during hot spells.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Apply a light compost in spring, but avoid excess fertilizer.
3. **Size** :
- Prune branches after flowering to encourage dense growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
4. **Winter protection**:
- In cold climates, protect the plants with a thick mulch or grow in pots and bring them indoors.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Slow growth**:
- Rosemary grows slowly from seed. For faster production, consider cuttings.
2. **Uses**:
- Rosemary is ideal for cooking, as a medicinal plant, or as a decorative shrub.
3. **Biodiversity**:
- Its flowers attract bees and pollinators, making it an asset for ecological gardens.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Rosmarinus officinalis** is an accessible method to grow this rustic and aromatic shrub. With a little patience and the right conditions, you can enjoy a robust and fragrant rosemary in your garden or on your balcony. 🌱🌿