How to grow rosemary indoors – expert tips for happy herbs in your home

Not all of us have outdoor space for green-fingered endeavors. But luckily, some garden plants can be grown indoors, too. And when it comes to kitchens, herbs are an excellent option, as having them nearby means they'll be easier to add to your cooking.

Growing rosemary may not be the first option that springs to mind when planning an indoor herb display, due to its woodier form. But, just like basil, mint, and other popular edibles, it too can thrive – if you provide the right conditions. 

There are some growing tips to consider to increase the chances of success, but it's worth the effort. Adding a sprig or two of rosemary is personally one of my favorite flavor enhancers for roasted vegetables, and it's also a delicious way to give drinks and baked goods a botanical touch.

Top tips for growing rosemary indoors

Introduce this fragrant addition to your kitchen plant collection.

1. Select the right location

Rosemary hails from hot and dry Mediterranean climes. It needs plenty of sunshine to grow well – at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day, says Anna Ohler, the Owner of Bright Lane Gardens nursery. This should be considered when choosing the right spot for it in your home. 

A sunny windowsill may work, or you can use grow lights if natural light is insufficient, Anna says. These LED grow lights from Amazon are well-rated.

Anna Ohler

Anna is an avid plant hobbyist and the Owner and Operator of Bright Lane Gardens, a boutique plant nursery in Northern Michigan. With over a decade of experience in gardening and landscaping, she takes every opportunity to share her knowledge on all things plant related.

2. Avoid waterlogging your rosemary

Rosemary is a drought-tolerant plant that won't tolerate overly wet soils. This means, when growing it indoors, you'll need to take a few things into account. 

First, it's important to choose the right container – one with drainage holes at the bottom, highlights Anna. 

The potting mix should also be well-draining. 'You can also mix some sand or perlite into regular potting soil to improve drainage,' Anna says.

Finally, be sure to avoid overwatering your rosemary, which can lead to root rot, Anna says. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, she recommends. 

3. Fertilize it to give it a boost

Many plants will benefit from a dose of fertilizer now and again. This is especially the case with potted plants, as the nutrients in potting soil can quickly be depleted or washed away through the drainage holes.

'During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your rosemary with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks,' Anna recommends. 'Make sure your fertilizer is safe to use on edible plants.'

4. Harvest indoor rosemary correctly

When growing rosemary indoors, it's tempting to harvest the stems at wild abandon. However, if you take this approach, you'll soon have nothing left, so avoid removing over a third of the plant at one time. 

Spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing, is the best time to harvest rosemary. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove full sprigs, cutting near the base of the plant, Anna says. 'Rosemary can easily be dried and stored for future use,' she adds.

FAQs

John Negus

John has been a garden journalist for over 50 years and regularly answers readers' questions in Amateur Gardening magazine. He has also written four books and has delivered many talks over the years on horticulture.

Along with herbs, there are other edible treats you can grow without a garden. Chilis are another perfect choice for a sunny windowsill, while growing lettuce from scraps is a rewarding way to reduce waste. You could also try growing microgreens to give salads a boost.