If you have ever had trouble with your rosemary plants during winter, this article is for you. Many plants can be grown indoors, but few are as well-known and loved as the rosemary plant.
When you see the first signs of frost, it’s necessary to bring your rosemary indoors. A sunny spot on your window sill will provide just what they need for healthy growth during winter! Be careful about dangerous temperatures below 32 °F, the right amount of sunlight, and the watering of the plant.
In this post, we will show you how to overwinter rosemary indoors and share some fascinating information about rosemary!
How to overwinter rosemary indoors
Overwintering rosemary plants is not hard if you look after your plant. Follow these simple five tips:
Frost is a danger
Rosemary plants are intolerant of frost, the lowest temperature they’re able to survive are 10 to 20 F. (-7 to -12 C.). Just to be sure, bring them inside when the temperature starts dropping below 32 °F (or about 0 °C). Potted rosemary is the best way to go, so you can bring it inside within the first signs of frost.
Rosemary needs Sunlight
Put the plant in a spot where it can receive enough sunlight, at least 6 hours a day. Sufficient sunlight allows the plant to thrive, but too little causes problems for the rosemary.
Outside throughout the day
You can leave rosemary outside in the sunlight during the day. The sun will help it grow and stay healthy, just put the plant near the house as a protection against north winds. The more sunlight the plant receives, the better. This will make it healthier and happier!
Be careful to put the rosemary plant back inside in time. Because if the sun sets, the temperatures will drop quickly. Rosemary plants thrive in the heat and will die if left outside at night.
Indoor stay the whole time
If you don’t want to carry the rosemary plant inside and outside every day, just leave it in your house all winter. It will be happy closer to a window where there’s plenty of indirect sunlight for most of the day.
The plant does like direct sunlight and needs at least 6 hours a day to be happy. So make sure you keep that in mind when searching for the perfect winter spot.
Interesting Fact: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is named after the dew that falls on it each morning, which derives from Latin words for “Ros” and “Marinus,” which mean “dew of the sea.” The plant’s location near the ocean is referred to.
Watering your rosemary plant
The rosemary plant needs enough water in the winter. If possible, water it once a week with room temperature or slightly cold water. You have to check the soil every one to two days if it is dry and only add more when needed since overwatering is just as bad for rosemary plants as underwatering! As an addition, you can add a bit of fertilizer from time to time.
A rosemary plant is a beautiful addition to your house. However, if you are still unsure about taking it indoors, I want to tell you about the benefits.
Benefits of growing rosemary indoors
Rosemary has been used in cooking and medicine since ancient times because of its wide range of benefits, from flavoring meals to purifying the air!
The herb is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. The plant is a cognitive stimulant that may help with memory function and quality. It’s also known to increase attention, intelligence, and concentration.
Studies have shown that rosemary contains a chemical that has effects on mood improvement, clears the mind, and relieves stress for people suffering from chronic anxiety or stress hormone imbalances.
The herb is useful for a variety of digestive issues. Rosemary is beneficial for gallbladder problems, heartburn, liver, intestinal gas, and lost appetite.
Interesting Fact: In the 16th century, people used rosemary to fight germs. They burned rosemary to remove the germs from rooms and purify the air.
These are not the only positive things about your rosemary. Companion plants of rosemary, have some general advantages when grown indoors.
Did you know that rosemary is a perennial, which means that it lives for two or more years? If you bring it inside and save it from frost you can save money by not having to buy a new plant every year. This will keep your plant alive for years.
By expanding your plant collection with rosemary, you’re adding some special kind of greenery to your home, which will make it more beautiful. Give your house a sophisticated, new appearance and feel. All year, enjoy the loveliness of nature and preserve the same scent for years to come. In addition, you have the freshest herbs and spices all year long.
If you want to set up your rosemary indoors in winter, and you still have trouble with your plants, don’t worry and look at common mistakes!
Common mistakes when overwintering your rosemary plant indoors
When growing under poor conditions, rosemary plants begin to show signs of yellow needles and drooping stems. The plant doesn’t look happy, and it could also develop a bad smell.
Maybe the roots have grown too much and there is not enough soil left. Check if the pot contains more roots than soil, if yes you should give them a bigger pot. Make sure you have well-drained soil and water the rosemary plant after potting them.
Interesting Fact: Rosemary is along with Basil, Lavender, Oregano, and many other herbs a member of the mint family.
You also have to look at the soil around their base and see if anything looks strange or out of place. It’s possible that fungus or mold has taken over and will kill off the plant. Never eat rosemary plants if they show signs of those illnesses because it is dangerous for your health.
If you only want the rosemary for decorative purposes, you can remove the bad soil and replace it with a fresh one. Fungus or mold is a result of too wet soil, so don’t water them too much and wait until they need it.
Temperatures should be kept at a constant level, and you should avoid temperature changes since they are harmful to the plant’s normal cycle. Make sure to find a safe place with consistent temperatures and enough ventilation.
Final thoughts
Now you know all the important things to care for your rosemary during winter. Remember, when the temperature starts dropping below 50 °F (or about 15 °C), it’s time to bring your rosemary plants inside.
If you don’t want to carry them in and out every day, just leave them in your house all winter. They’ll be able to survive as long as there is a window with plenty of sunlight. If you are careful about how much water it gets, your plants should be just fine! Check on them weekly and only add more water if necessary.
Rosemary is a great herb to put in your house. It helps with memory, attention, intelligence, and concentration. Rosemary plants will look good all year long and the fragrance will make your house smell fresh too.
When you pot the rosemary plant, make sure that there is more soil than roots, if not give them a bigger pot with well-drained soil. Make sure to water your new little friend after planting it in its new home!
If you are growing your own rosemary plants, look at the base of its stem and see if anything looks strange or out of place. It’s possible that fungus or mold has taken over and will kill off the plant. Make sure to never eat rosemary plants if they show signs of those illnesses because it is dangerous!
I hope this article was helpful and showed you a new side of your rosemary.
