UK sowing calendar
When to sow rosemary in the UK
Rosemary sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Mar-May |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | Plant out late May-Jul |
| Harvest | all year (best late spring-summer) |
Can be sown indoors in spring but is very slow from seed, taking several years to reach a harvestable size - most gardeners start from a bought plant or a softwood/semi-ripe cutting (late spring to September). Evergreen, so leaves can be picked all year.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for rosemary.
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When to sow rosemary in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow rosemary in the UK?
Sow rosemary under cover Mar-May, then outdoors plant out late may-jul. Can be sown indoors in spring but is very slow from seed, taking several years to reach a harvestable size - most gardeners start from a bought plant or a softwood/semi-ripe cutting (late spring to September). Evergreen, so leaves can be picked all year.
Can you sow rosemary outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant rosemary outdoors plant out late may-jul. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is rosemary ready to harvest in the UK?
Rosemary is typically harvested all year (best late spring-summer) in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow rosemary?
It depends on the month and your region. Rosemary has a UK outdoor window of plant out late may-jul; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.