AAAARRRGGGUUUHH! Rosemary problems!!!

[Trevi]

I have bought so many rosemary plants of various hybrids and types. ALL of them have died on me! in one way or another... they have all burnt out. They all die in the winter, no matter how often I water them or how un-often (is that a word?).

I have tried keeping them outside, in an unheated hall, in my livingroom, in my bedroom window, on my kitchen windowsill, and in our basement. I GIVE UP! What am I doing wrong?

I currently have a HUGE rosemary bush that I won at a yuletide party and half of it (the half that hug over the windowsill above the heater) is dead. The other half is still green, though. So, my question is, now what do I do?



ANYONE???

[eaglewolf]

Quick question... do you have gas heat?

[Trevi]

electric heat. And really REALLY bad windows! We're lucky if it ever gets over 70 in here even when we put the heat up to 90!
Theres no insulation in the floors or celing so all the heat just escapes.

does that make a difference?

[Amethyst Rose]

I'd like to know how to keep them alive, too. I was given a rosemary bush as a going away present, and it died within a month. I figured that it was on it's way when I got it, (it was really really dry), and I just couldn't bring it around. But I'd like to know what I could have done to save it, for next time.

[Lynnaea]

Rosemary should be OK at 60 to 70 degrees, it will die back in winter if you live in an area that frosts. In the spring, when the nights are above 50, I put it outside. I keep our place in the 60s on purpose during winter, I believe it is healthier not to have such a vast difference in temp from inside to outside.

Do you over water? It grows in Southern Italy and Greece, where is it mild and dry. Mine is kept in a pot, I seldom every fertilize and I let the soil dry out before watering. When I fertilize I use a little liquid plant food in the water.

Your problem may be light, Rosemary does like light, if you don't have a sunny window, buy a grow light. I kept mine on the windowsill, where it was doing well until the cat decided to curl up in the pot and broke most of the branches. Now I keep it on a shelf in the bathroom, under a grow light and surrounded by chicken wire (the cat found it one day and was curled up in the pot under the grow light).

[Lynnaea]

To clarify watering:
When I said I let the soil dry out between waterings, I don't mean I let the whole plant dry before I water. Check the soil by putting your finger into the soil about a half inch, if it feels moist don't water. Keep checking every couple of days and water when it feels dry. But don't wait a couple of weeks and then water, the plant will die if it never gets watered.

[Summer Solstice]

Well Trevi you know where my rosemary is right at the window. I believe you need a hot kitchen and plenty of sunlight . It sounds strange but I talk to mine.

[belladonna23]

I have learned from several early botched attempts at growing rosemary that it is particularly prone to root rot.
It is important to empty excess water after giving the soil some time to soak it up. I used to stand my pots in jar lids, so the excess water could run into them. My problem was that I would let the water stand in the lids for some time after watering. I lost quite a few plants this way.
I have gas heat, and it tends to dry my plants out very quickly. I try to give them a good soaking every few days, checking every day as Lynnea has mentioned by sticking a finger an inch or so into the soil.

[Celestite]

I know I live in England but would suggest that you just plant the Rosemary outside in a sheltered position where it will gets lots of sun in the summer.

I have a fab Rosemary bush which I dig up and take with me each time I move house and no harm has come to it.

Would very respectfully suggest that you all seem to be looking after them too much. Mother Nature does quite a good job (she's got all the right gear!)

[snappyglitz]

Remember to actually "use" the delightful herbs you are growing. Trim rosemary for drying, cooking and bathing often so the plant will feel that it is of service to you.

You will be amazed at its improved health and abundance..remember to share some with friends and neighbors too!

Gentle Tropical Breezes,
Snappyglitz