How to Grow Rosemary as a Tree

Growing rosemary as a tree is a rewarding gardening project. Not only does it bring aromatic rosemary to your space and give you an ample harvest for the kitchen, but it also adds a unique and decorative touch during the holiday season!

Rosemary needs and takes time to grow, and you need to be patient till the trunk grows to be “Woody.” You can also purchase a well-grown rosemary plant, also sold as a “Rosemary topiary” (2-3 feet tall) from a garden center.

Choose a young<a href=«https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=» https: target="_blank" rel=«noopener»> rosemary

Do not start pruning the plant when you get it from a garden center. Wait till it reaches a height of about 2 feet.

Once you have established the trunk, focus on the top of the plant. Regularly trimming the top helps to encourage bushier growth, which is crucial for forming the canopy.

Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your rosemary tree for any unwanted growth along the trunk or branches that disrupt the desired shape. Removing too much at once can stress the plant – so, do it slow and do it gently.

Boosting the plant’s growth is essential – rather than fertlizing it once a month, it would be a great idea to dilute the feed to 1/4 or 1/6 of its recommended dose and use it every two weeks. This will promote growth, helping it achieve a good height.

If you want this herb to grow like a tree, then it is essential you do not keep it in a container that is too large or too small. A pot one size bigger than the plant’s root ball, is perfect – or a one size bigger pot than the rootball.