Organic Rosmarinus officinalis - Rosemary

Rosemary, in Latin Rosmarinus officinalis, is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub renowned for the flowery aroma of its small leaves. It perfumes grilled dishes and brightens Mediterranean cuisine. It is used alone or in a bouquet garni, combined with parsley, bay leaf, and thyme, and is part of aromatic blends called "herbes de Provence". An excellent plant for arid rock gardens and dry soil, highly nectar-producing, Rosemary is grown in open ground or in pots, in spring or autumn, for a harvest from April to October. We offer plants derived from organic production methods. 

Rosemary is a perennial shrub and is relatively hardy if planted in rocky soil that does not retain water. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, like thyme. This plant, native to the Mediterranean, forms small fragrant tufts with dark green persistent foliage. From the beginning of the year, and sometimes again in autumn, it produces small, highly honey-producing flowers in spikes, in blue, purple, pink, or white, depending on the varieties. 

Fresh or dried leaves are used to flavour slow-cooked dishes such as ratatouille, as well as fish, poultry, game, vegetables, and pasta. They can be used alone or in a bouquet garni, combined with parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. It is part of the composition of mixed seasonings, together with various plants such as thyme, oregano, marjoram, basil, chervil, tarragon, lovage, savory, sage, bay leaf, and fennel. Rosemary has antiseptic, antibacterial and digestive properties. 

It will easily find its place in the garden but can also be grown in a pot, placed on a balcony or at the edge of a terrace. Plant it next to other aromatics such as savory or thyme. Rosemary is not demanding, it thrives in sunny, arid, and rocky soils, with a tendency towards limestone, like most lavenders. However, it is sensitive to excess moisture, both in winter and summer. 

Harvest: Leaves are harvested from the 2nd year, from April to October, by simply cutting the branches. 

Storage: Leaves can be used fresh or dried. Dry the branches in the shade and store them dry in airtight jars. 

Gardener's tip: In moist regions, we recommend planting on a mound, in a rock garden, or on a rocky slope, in very well-draining soil. Protecting the base from the cold is unnecessary, as this shrub is unable to regenerate from the stump. Never prune branches below the last green leaf you can see: old wood does not regenerate.