How to grow rosemary on a balcony
Growing rosemary on a city balcony can create a green space and provide natural spices. This Mediterranean native plant has unique drought-resistant characteristics, and mastering key cultivation techniques can keep it green all year round. This article will systematically explain the key points of growing potted rosemary from environmental control to daily management.
Three key elements of environmental control
Sunlight intensity management
Keep 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in spring and autumn, use a 40% shade net in summer, and move to a full-sun area in winter. Observe the leaf condition: yellowing indicates excessive sunlight, and stretching requires increasing the duration of sunlight exposure.
Temperature adaptation range
The best growth temperature is 20-28°C, and maintaining above 0°C in winter can survive the winter. Before the arrival of cold waves, move the potted plant to a position near the wall to use the building's thermal radiation to form a microclimate.
Soil and pot selection
Use a ceramic pot with a volcanic rock base (30% proportion), and the matrix formula is recommended: coarse coconut bran 40% + perlite 20% + decomposed leaf soil 30% + bone meal 10%. Add oyster shell powder to adjust the pH to 7.5-8.0 every spring when repotting.
Daily maintenance skills
Scientific fertilizing plan
Apply seaweed fertilizer (NPK 5-3-4) in March during the germination period, add monopotassium phosphate in June during the flower bud differentiation period, and use decomposed sheep manure in September for autumn fertilizer. Pay attention to applying thin and frequent fertilizers, keeping the concentration below 0.2%.
Smart watering strategy
Use the "wet-dry alternating method," and water thoroughly after the top 3cm of soil dries out. In winter, change to a small amount of water补充 at noon, and in summer, combine morning and evening foliar sprays to maintain air humidity at 40%-50%.
By precisely controlling the light cycle and soil environment, combined with seasonal maintenance measures, balcony-grown rosemary can be harvested all year round. Regular pruning to maintain the plant shape not only enhances ornamental value but also promotes the germination of new branches, forming a virtuous growth cycle.