How to fertilize a rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
Quick answer
Feed established rosemary during active spring and summer growth, but do not add fertilizer to a stressed indoor plant. The right schedule depends on the setting.

Pet-safe
How to fertilize a rosemary
- 01
When to fertilize
The timing depends on the setting. Give a healthy rosemary a dilute feed now and then from early spring through summer. Do not feed a stressed indoor plant.
Feed only during active spring and summer growth. Do not continue a routine schedule through a low-light winter or while a newly moved indoor plant is stressed.
- 02
Fertilizer type and dose
A dilute water-soluble or controlled-release fertilizer suits an established container plant. Follow the label rather than a greenhouse rate.
- 03
When not to fertilize
Before feeding a browning or declining indoor rosemary, inspect waterlogging, roots, light, and airflow. Browning or leaf loss is nonspecific and does not justify an extra feed.
All rosemary guides
Keep reading
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · included synonym · native range · cultivation · Name status · synonymy to Salvia rosmarinus
- Royal Horticultural SocietyGetting started · Sun · warmth · free-draining soil · containers · winter protection · Synonyms · Position · Growing Conditions · Pests · Diseases
- University of Maryland Extension / Ask ExtensionExpert Response · indoor rosemary guidance
- Iowa State University Extension and OutreachBest Herbs for Indoors · The Best Growing Conditions for Indoor Herbs
Last reviewed:

