What should I do with rosemary in fall?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Caring for your rosemary plants in the fall prepares them for winter adversities while also promoting healthy growth for spring. To begin the process of adjusting your rosemary's growing conditions, continue to check for any temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Decrease the frequency of watering so the soil dries out more deeply between waterings. This process of acclimatization gradually builds cold hardiness over time.
Water Management
- Gradually reduce watering frequency starting in early fall
- Allow top 3 inches of soil to dry completely between waterings
- Stop fertilizing to prevent tender new growth before frost
Root Zone Protection
- Apply 4-6 inches of straw mulch around base before first frost
- Extend mulch 12 inches beyond drip line for insulation
- Avoid piling mulch against stems to prevent rot
Pruning Strategy
- Lightly trim only green growth removing no more than 20%
- Shape plants for better wind resistance and snow shedding
- Disinfect shears between plants to prevent disease spread
I protect my in-ground rosemary with burlap wraps on freezing nights. Wrap fabric around frames to create air pockets, keeping plants off direct contact. Remove covers during the day when the temperature is above freezing. This method protected plants during unexpected, early frosts in zone 6.
Acclimate container plants prior to moving indoors gradually. Provide two days in shaded locations, with increasing exposure gradations (i.e., from filtered light to direct sunlight) for periods of up to seven days. Inspect thoroughly for pests by soaking leaves in warm, soapy water. Move plants into bright windows facing south and maintain indoor temperatures over 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) at night.
Keep an eye on the weather predictions for sudden drops in temperature. Prepare winter protection supplies: straw mulch burlap and frost cloth. If there is heavy snow gently remove the snow from your branches to prevent breakage. All of these proactive moves allows rosemary to survive winter and burst back in spring.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Steps: How to Grow Rosemary Perfectly
