Rosmarinus officinalis ROSEMARY (20 seeds)

Rosemary, a shrubby plant from the Lamiaceae family, grows relatively quickly once established. It reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 meters at maturity and can live for 15 to 20 years.

This fragrant shrub is native to the Mediterranean basin. It grows wild on limestone coastlines from Spain to Greece, including North Africa and the south of France. Its Latin name, Rosmarinus, means "sea dew" (ros marinus), as it grows naturally by the seaside and often thrives on the moisture brought by sea spray.

Its highly aromatic leaves are evergreen, leathery, and sessile. They have a linear, narrow, and elongated shape, resembling small conifer needles. Their upper surface is a glossy dark green, while the lower surface is lighter—almost whitish—due to the presence of a very fine cottony down.

The flowers are grouped in small, short clusters at the tips of the previous year's shoots. Their color generally ranges from pale blue to violet-blue. They bloom from spring through to early autumn.

Rosemary seeds from Rosmarinus officinalis are small, ovoid to globular in shape, brown in color, and measure 2 to 3 millimeters in length.

- Uses:

A world-renowned condiment in gourmet cuisine. This easy-to-grow aromatic herb is used in stews, soups, marinades, and on grilled meats. It is even used to flavor custards or jams.

In traditional medicine, rosemary is valued for its health benefits. Historically, it was used to treat numerous ailments. Its medicinal virtues are concentrated in the leaves and flowering tops. The simplest way to use it is in an infusion or decoction.

It possesses many properties used in natural health treatments.
Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best period to sow rosemary is from the beginning of May.
• Sow the seeds in a tray filled with a mix of potting soil and fine sand.
• Cover them with 2 to 3 millimeters of sandy soil.
• Water gently using a sprayer.
• Place the tray in a warm spot at a temperature of at least 25°C.
• Germination is quite slow; seeds typically sprout between 4 to 8 weeks after planting.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Rosemary requires poor, light, and, above all, perfectly drained soil. It adapts very well to limestone, stony, and dry land. It particularly dislikes heavy, clayey, or compact soils that retain moisture during the winter.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

A full sun exposure is essential. Rosemary needs maximum light and heat to synthesize its essential oils and bloom abundantly. It should be sheltered from cold prevailing winds, ideally against a south-facing wall that radiates heat during the night.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

It is a moderately hardy plant, capable of withstanding frosts between -10°C and -15°C, depending on the variety and provided the soil remains very dry. In regions with harsh, damp winters, its resistance decreases significantly.

- Watering / Water Needs:

Once established, its water needs are very low. Rosemary is the perfect example of a self-sufficient plant; it generally thrives on natural rainfall alone.

- Multiplication:

The most effective and fastest method is semi-ripe stem cuttings. Simply take segments of the current year's shoots and strike them into a sandy mix. Layering is also possible and sometimes occurs naturally.

- Pests / Diseases:

Rosemary is naturally resistant thanks to its aromatic properties. However, it can be attacked by leafhoppers. In terms of diseases, powdery mildew may appear if there is a lack of air circulation or excess humidity.