Rosemary: outdoor cultivation
Rosemary is known for its vibrant aroma and health benefits. It is most commonly used in cooking. Growing shrubs outdoors is easy.
The leaves of an evergreen shrub are medium-sized, linear. Its root system is powerful and developed. The flowers are lush. Painted in shades of pink, purple and blue. Despite the fact that the homeland of rosemary are countries with a mild climate, it can be grown in the conditions of central Russia.
Growing rosemary is best done in lime soil.
A loose and light soil is suitable for rosemary. It grows poorly in acidic, heavy and clayey soils. It is best to plant the plant in calcareous soils. For active growth, he needs sunlight and warmth. It is worth planting shrubs in the ground as late as possible. Then he will not be affected by frost. You can grow it:
- Seeds;
- Cuttings;
- Layering;
- By dividing the bushes.
The plant is highly resistant. He is not threatened by disease. The strong scent of rosemary is similar to a mixture of eucalyptus and citrus. It repels pests.
Growing rosemary outdoors
You can plant rosemary in the ground by seeds or cuttings. In the fall, a phase of slow growth begins. This time is suitable for reproduction by dividing the bushes. Seeds are best planted in late spring and early summer. Warm soil is suitable for sowing. The best temperature for seed growth is 20-22 degrees. They should not be flooded with abundant water and buried in the ground. The planting depth should not exceed 1 cm. After a couple of weeks, the seedlings will get stronger and can be replanted. The pits should be 1 m apart. They are pre-filled with a mixture consisting of the following components:
- Sand;
- Peat;
- Leafy land;
- Crushed chalk.
The shrub should be dug in and covered with plastic wrap. After a week, it will take root. Then the cover can be removed. In winter, such a film will help protect the plant from frost. The rosemary will be harvested in 3 years. This should be done during flowering.
Reproduction by cuttings can be carried out in early summer. To do this, it is necessary to cut off young cuttings, the length of which is about 10 cm. They are deepened into the soil by 5 cm. The shoots quickly root and develop. Caring for the plant involves timely, moderate watering, loosening and weeding from weeds.
Rosemary takes root quickly outdoors. It is not susceptible to disease and grows in a variety of climates. With modest care, the plant produces a rich harvest.