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 Rewarding Challenge

Growing your rosemary from Ethnoplants seeds allows you to follow the development of this Mediterranean icon from its earliest stages of life.
While germination requires patience and constant warmth, it offers the advantage of producing plants perfectly adapted to your environment.
Once established, this rosemary, grown from rigorously selected seeds, becomes a robust shrub, ideal for structuring your borders with persistent, intensely fragrant foliage.

Aromatic Freshness at Your Fingertips

Rosemary is an essential culinary herb for healthy and flavorful cooking. Freshly harvested young sprigs enhance your grills, marinades, stews, and braised dishes.
For fans of creative gastronomy, using this aromatic herb in sweet preparations, such as artisanal jams or infused custards, reveals camphor and woody notes that will add a unique touch to your recipes.

A Plant at the Heart of History and Tradition

In Ancient Greece, rosemary held a strong symbolic significance.
Students of the time wore woven rosemary wreaths on special occasions, as the plant was associated, in ancient traditions, with mental clarity and memory retention. Even today, keeping a pot on a bright desk corner allows you to enjoy its historical presence and invigorating fragrance every day.

- 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.

This article was written by Julien on 07/14/2026.