How to plant rosemary
An article that provides a detailed introduction to how to plant rosemary and the cultivation techniques and management of this green plant, offering some very useful tips and knowledge. It is recommended to save this for future reference!
Rosemary is a valuable herb with a strong aroma, which is very popular in the West and is commonly used in perfume production and as a spice. Originally from European and African countries, rosemary was later introduced to China and is now cultivated in most southern regions of our country, such as Guangdong and Guangxi, due to its high economic value and popularity among many growers. So, how do you plant rosemary? Let's find out together.
1. Site selection and fertilization
Choose a plot of land that is loose and fertile, with a deep layer of soil rich in organic matter, and a dry and well-drained terrain. Remove all weeds, and plow to a depth of 25-30 centimeters. Apply 3,000 kilograms of decomposed organic fertilizer, 50 kilograms of compound fertilizer, 20 kilograms of superphosphate, and 80 kilograms of lime per 667 square meters as a base fertilizer. Make ridges with a trench width of 30 centimeters and a depth of 20-30 centimeters, spaced 1.5-2.0 meters apart.
2. Propagation and seedling raising
Propagation is a major challenge in planting rosemary. It is difficult to grow rosemary seedlings directly from seeds, so we choose the simplest method of propagation: cutting. Select sturdy stems, cut them into 8-10 centimeter oblique sections, soak them in carbendazim, and then plant them into a fifty-cell plug tray filled with seedling substrate, followed by watering and placing them on the seedbed.
3. Transplanting
In the Yangtze River Valley region, the best time for field transplanting is from late March to mid-April. After leveling the land, dig holes according to the plant spacing, apply a small amount of base fertilizer, cover the fertilizer with a thin layer of soil, and then transplant. Transplant with soil, with a spacing of 30 centimeters between plants and 50 centimeters between rows, one plant per hole, and water after planting.
4. Water and fertilizer management
Water for the second time five days after planting (depending on soil moisture). Once the seedlings have survived, reduce watering. If the leaves of rosemary look dry, not plump, and lack fresh green color, it may be due to insufficient water. Rosemary placed outdoors is exposed to direct sunlight and can evaporate a lot, so if it is not watered for two days, the leaves will become dry and slightly wilted, requiring immediate watering.
Thirty days after transplanting, apply 1,000 kilograms of decomposed human waste or 10-15 kilograms of urea per 667 square meters; thereafter, fertilize every 30 days with 10-15 kilograms of urea and 15-20 kilograms of compound fertilizer per 667 square meters.
5. Pruning management
Pruning can begin 3-4 months after transplanting. The pruning should not exceed the general longest length. Rosemary has the ability to grow small buds in its leaf axils, which will grow with the long branches. If not pruned in time, over time, these small buds can cause the plant to become disordered, closed, and susceptible to various diseases and pests.
6. Harvesting
Rosemary can be harvested for many years, mainly for its branches and leaves, which can be cut with scissors or simply broken off by hand. When harvesting, avoid contact between the juice and the skin, and ensure proper disinfection of the wounds.
In recent years, the market prospects for rosemary raw materials have been very good, and the trend of rosemary cultivation is also on the rise. Additionally, rosemary is also highly ornamental, and many people enjoy growing it in pots at home. However, regardless of the planting mode, mastering the planting method is crucial.
The comprehensive knowledge on how to plant rosemary, and the cultivation techniques and management provided above, is hoped to be of help to you.