How Much Space Does Rosemary Need to Grow? (Fully Explained)

How Much Space Does Rosemary Need to Grow
Disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Please note that while we always strive to provide 100% up to date and accurate information, there is always the small possibility of error. Therefore, we advise conducting further research and due diligence before consuming any plants or exposing pets to anything mentioned on this site. Kindly refer to the full disclaimer for more details here.

Sharing is caring!

Are you wondering how much space your rosemary plant needs to thrive? Rosemary is a popular herb that is commonly used in cooking, aromatherapy, and as a natural remedy for various ailments. However, if you’re new to gardening, you might be unsure about how much space your rosemary plant requires to grow healthy and strong. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ideal growing conditions for rosemary and provide you with helpful tips to ensure your plant flourishes.

How Much Space Does Rosemary Need to Grow?

When it comes to growing rosemary, the amount of space it needs depends on the specific variety and how you plan to grow it. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. In the ground: If you’re planting rosemary in the ground, it needs at least 2-3 feet of space between plants. This allows enough room for the plant to spread out and receive adequate sunlight.
  2. In containers: If you’re growing rosemary in a container, it needs a pot that’s at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. This provides enough space for the roots to grow and for the plant to thrive.
  3. Vertical gardens: If you’re growing rosemary in a vertical garden, each plant needs at least 6-8 inches of space between it and the next plant. This allows enough room for the plant to grow and receive sunlight.
  4. Pruning: It’s important to regularly prune your rosemary plant to prevent it from getting too large and taking up too much space. You can trim it back by about a third each year to keep it under control.

Overall, whether you’re growing rosemary in the ground, in a container, or in a vertical garden, make sure to give it enough space to grow and thrive.

What Happens if You Plant Rosemary Too Close Together?

If you plant rosemary too close together, the plants may compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight, which can cause several issues:

  1. Stunted growth: When rosemary plants are crowded together, their roots may not have enough space to grow, causing stunted growth and reduced vigor.
  2. Disease: If the plants are too close together, they may not receive enough air circulation, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or rust.
  3. Pest infestations: Crowded rosemary plants may also attract pests like spider mites, which can quickly spread from one plant to another.
  4. Poor flavor: Rosemary that is grown too close together may have a less intense flavor, as the plant may not receive enough sunlight or nutrients to develop its essential oils fully.

To avoid these issues, it’s best to follow the recommended spacing guidelines for planting rosemary. As mentioned earlier, each plant should have at least 2-3 feet of space between them if planted in the ground, 12 inches of space in a container, or 6-8 inches of space in a vertical garden. By giving your rosemary plants enough space, you can ensure that they grow healthy and produce the best flavor.

What Happens if You Plant Rosemary Too Far Apart?

Planting rosemary too far apart can also have negative effects on the plant’s growth and health, including:

  1. Reduced density: If rosemary plants are spaced too far apart, it can result in reduced density, which means that you may end up with fewer plants per area than desired. This can make your garden look sparse and unproductive.
  2. Weeds: When plants are spaced too far apart, it can create an opportunity for weeds to grow in between them, making it difficult to maintain the garden and potentially stealing nutrients from the rosemary plants.
  3. Sun scorch: If rosemary plants are spaced too far apart, they may receive too much direct sunlight, which can lead to sunscald or leaf burn, causing the plant to wilt or even die.
  4. Erosion: Planting rosemary too far apart can also cause soil erosion since there will be gaps between the plants where the soil can be washed away during rainstorms.

Therefore, it’s important to find the right balance when spacing your rosemary plants. As mentioned earlier, each plant should have at least 2-3 feet of space between them if planted in the ground, 12 inches of space in a container, or 6-8 inches of space in a vertical garden. This will ensure that your plants have enough space to grow and access adequate nutrients and sunlight while maintaining density in your garden.

How to Figure Out Spacing Requirement of Different Rosemary Varieties

The spacing requirement of different rosemary varieties can vary based on their growth habit and size. Here are some steps to follow to figure out the spacing requirement of different rosemary varieties:

  1. Determine the mature size of the rosemary variety: Check the plant tag or research the variety to find out the mature size of the plant. Some rosemary varieties grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, while others remain compact and bushy at 2-3 feet tall and wide.
  2. Consider the growth habit of the rosemary variety: Some rosemary varieties grow upright, while others have a trailing or spreading habit. This can affect the spacing requirement since trailing or spreading varieties may need more horizontal space to grow.
  3. Use the general spacing guidelines: As a general rule, most rosemary varieties require at least 2-3 feet of space between plants when planted in the ground. If planting in a container, the pot should be at least 12 inches wide and deep.
  4. Adjust spacing based on the size and growth habit of the variety: For larger varieties, consider giving them extra space, such as 3-4 feet between plants, to accommodate their size. For trailing or spreading varieties, consider planting them farther apart to allow for their horizontal growth.
  5. Monitor plant growth and adjust spacing as necessary: As your rosemary plants grow, monitor their size and adjust the spacing if necessary. If they start to look crowded, consider thinning them out or moving them to a larger space.

Overall, by considering the mature size and growth habits of your rosemary varieties and using the general spacing guidelines, you can figure out the spacing requirement that will help your plants thrive.

Examples of Spacing Requirements for Different Rosemary Varieties

Here are some examples of spacing requirements for different rosemary varieties:

  1. Tuscan Blue Rosemary: This variety can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, so it requires at least 3-4 feet of space between plants when planted in the ground.
  2. Prostrate Rosemary: This variety has a trailing habit and can spread up to 6 feet wide, so it requires at least 4-6 feet of space between plants when planted in the ground.
  3. Arp Rosemary: This variety grows up to 3-4 feet tall and wide and has an upright habit, so it requires at least 2-3 feet of space between plants when planted in the ground.
  4. Spice Island Rosemary: This variety has a compact, bushy habit and only grows up to 2-3 feet tall and wide, so it requires at least 2 feet of space between plants when planted in the ground.
  5. Blue Boy Rosemary: This variety is a dwarf form and only grows up to 18 inches tall and wide, so it requires at least 1.5-2 feet of space between plants when planted in the ground.

These are just a few examples, and spacing requirements can vary depending on the specific variety and how you plan to grow it. It’s always best to research the specific variety you plan to grow and follow the recommended spacing guidelines to ensure optimal growth and health.

What to Avoid Planting Near Rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy herb that grows well in a variety of conditions and can be an excellent companion plant in your garden. However, there are some plants that you should avoid planting near rosemary as they can have negative effects on the herb’s growth and flavor. Here are some plants to avoid planting near rosemary:

  1. Brassicas: Plants in the brassica family, such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, can stunt the growth of rosemary and reduce its flavor. Avoid planting these near rosemary.
  2. Carrots: Carrots and other root vegetables can compete with rosemary for nutrients in the soil. Avoid planting these near rosemary or separate them with a barrier such as a raised bed.
  3. Mint: Mint is known to spread aggressively and can quickly take over garden beds. Avoid planting mint near rosemary to prevent it from dominating the space.
  4. Fennel: Fennel is another herb that can quickly spread and take over garden beds. Planting it near rosemary can result in overcrowding and stunted growth.
  5. Sage: Although rosemary and sage are both part of the mint family, planting them together can result in cross-pollination and produce hybrid plants with less distinct flavors.
  6. Wet Soil-Loving Plants: Rosemary thrives in well-draining soil, and planting it near water-loving plants like ferns or hostas can cause the rosemary to become waterlogged and susceptible to root rot.

By avoiding planting these plants near your rosemary, you can ensure that your herb grows healthy and produces the best flavor. Instead, consider planting rosemary with other herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil, or companion plants such as marigolds, which can attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Helpful Video on Rosemary Spacing

To get an in-depth look at rosemary spacing and growing rosemary properly check out this video below…