When it comes to growing herbs at home, choosing the best soil for rosemary is key. This hardy, fragrant plant is easy to grow and adds instant charm, whether styled on a kitchen windowsill or planted in your backyard. I’ve grown rosemary for years in San Francisco, and it pairs beautifully with my favorite indoor plant the ficus cyathistipula and even the ZZ Plant flower or other low light hanging plants.
This resilient herb grows best in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A sandy texture is ideal—think Mediterranean vibes. Avoid soggy, compacted, or clay-heavy soil that holds water and risks root rot. Try this simple blend:
Table of Contents
- DIY Rosemary Potting Mix
- Why Soil Matters for Rosemary
- What Is the Best Soil for Rosemary?
- Tips for Growing Rosemary Indoors or Outdoors
- What is Rosemary?
- The Different Types of Rosemary
- Rosemary’s Requirements
- Rosemary Growing Requirements
- From the Seeds and the Best Soil for Rosemary
- Pot Placement Tips
- Garden Growing Tips: Outdoor Rosemary Care
- Pruning and Harvesting Rosemary the Right Way
- How to Improve Poor Soil for Rosemary
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Other Potential Problems
- FAQs About the Best Soil for Rosemary
- Final Thoughts
DIY Rosemary Potting Mix
- 2 parts potting soil (organic preferred)
- 1 part coarse sand or perlite
- 1 part compost or aged bark
Mix well and use in containers, raised beds, or in-ground with good drainage.
Tip
Most bagged soils from Home Depot, Lowe’s, or your local nursery will work as long as they’re labeled for herbs or Mediterranean plants. Just double-check the ingredients and avoid moisture-retaining blends.
Why Soil Matters for Rosemary
In its native Mediterranean habitat, rosemary grows in sandy, well-drained soils. Replicating these conditions is essential to prevent root rot and promote vigorous growth.
What Is the Best Soil for Rosemary?
Ideal Soil Characteristics include:
- Texture: Light, sandy, or loamy soil that ensures excellent drainage.
- pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0 .
- Drainage: Essential to prevent waterlogged roots; rosemary is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. High Plains Observer+1Aggie Horticulture+1Pinterest
Of course, if you want your rosemary to grow to its maximum potential then you’ll want to provide your plants the ideal growing conditions, and getting the right soil is key. But first things first.
Tips for Growing Rosemary Indoors or Outdoors
- Sunlight: Place in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water deeply but infrequently; let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Pruning: Regularly trim to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
- Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
What is Rosemary?
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a stunning, drought-tolerant herb from the mint family—native to the Mediterranean and known for its gray-green needle-like leaves and soft blue or white flowers. Honestly? It might just be the prettiest herb out there, fresh or dried.
- Looks + aroma: Elegant enough for a coffee table, and fragrant enough to fill a room.
- Flavor: Its peppery, citrusy notes shine in everything from roasted potatoes to cocktails.
- Size control: While it can grow up to 6 feet tall, regular pruning keeps it chic.
- Soil needs: For best results, pair this beauty with the best soil for rosemary—well-draining, slightly sandy, and never soggy.
Whether styled as a potted centerpiece or hung in dried bunches, rosemary brings beauty, scent, and function to any home.
The Different Types of Rosemary
Rosemary grows best outdoors and thrives in dry conditions, making it perfect for backyard planting. But before you buy, take time to choose the right variety—each type looks different and has its own care needs. Picking the right one can boost both your garden’s style and your success.
Hill Hardy Rosemary
Also known as Madalene Hill Rosemary, this variety is resistant to temperatures all the way down to 0˚F. It grows up to five feet tall and has bright green leaves.
Salem Rosemary
Also known as “Bushy Blue” Rosemary, Salem Rosemary is most notable for its resistance to wet soil. It can tolerate temperatures down to 5˚F and grows around 3 feet tall
Tuscan Blue Rosemary
Fast-growing with a maximum height of six feet tall, the Tuscan Blue Rosemary offers a unique look compared to other types of Rosemary. It features blue flowers, a reddish tinge on the stems, and wider leaves than its counterparts.
However, it’s not as hardy as the others, with a low-temperature tolerance of only 15˚F.
Prostratus Rosemary
The last Rosemary plant is a bit different, growing about two feet wide and two feet tall. This small size makes it great for smaller areas like rock gardens, as the branches will spread for more ground coverage.
Rosemary’s Requirements
Like all plants, rosemary has a few basic requirements that you’ll need to ensure are met if you want your young plants to grow to full size. For rosemary, you’ll want the following:
Rosemary Growing Requirements
- Full sun, with six hours of sunlight as a minimum for sun exposure.
- Sandy soil offers adequate drainage for your plants. Loamy soil will work as well.
- A pH level of 6.0 to 7.0 in your soil.
- Access to infrequent waterings. Rosemary doesn’t require an entire watering system for new growth to appear. Simply water your plants as the top layer dries out. If the top few inches are dry soil, it’s time to water!
Now that you know a bit more about Rosemary, you might be wondering how you actually start growing this herb. Well, you have three options to choose from, as shown below.
From the Seeds and the Best Soil for Rosemary
If you think growing Rosemary from seeds is a good idea, here’s what you need to do. First, get the seeds and prep the pots/garden where you’ll be planting the seeds. Place the seeds into the soil, then cover them with a tiny amount. Rosemary seeds do not need to be planted deep.
Purchase Seedlings
Easily the easiest approach to growing Rosemary plants is to purchase seedlings. Like before, make sure to prep the soil before transplanting. When you actually plant the seedlings, just make sure to plant them at the same depth that they were at in their original container. Do this, and you’re all set.
Propagation
Lastly, propagation is also an option if you already have mature plants and want more (but don’t want to buy them). Cut a couple of inches from the mature plant’s new softwood growth. Dip the end of this in a container of water, or use something like this propagation station. Once roots begin to form, you can transplant your Rosemary.
As an alternative, switching out the water for potting mix may yield better results. Treat the end of your trimming with rooting hormone, then place it in a moist sandy potting mix. As before, transplant once roots have formed.
Want to grow something bigger? If so, check out this post on growing apple trees!
Pot Placement Tips
Soil matters, but where you place your rosemary pot is just as important—especially if you’re growing indoors or in a climate with cold winters.
- Ideal temperatures: Rosemary prefers warmth—68–86°F is the sweet spot.
- Frost warning: If temps dip near freezing, bring your plant indoors or risk losing it.
- No greenhouse? No problem: A sunny window works just fine as long as your rosemary gets 6+ hours of light daily.
- Indoor bonus: Indoors, you can grow rosemary year-round without worrying about the seasons.
Whether it’s on your patio or perched by the kitchen window, keep light, warmth, and drainage top of mind—and pair it all with the best soil for rosemary for thriving plants.
Garden Growing Tips: Outdoor Rosemary Care
Growing rosemary outside? Here’s what you need to know to set your plants—and soil—up for success:
- Sun is non-negotiable – Rosemary thrives in full sun, so pick the sunniest spot in your garden.
- Use the best soil for rosemary – Outdoor rosemary needs well-draining, loamy soil—slightly sandy is ideal. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.
- Mild winters? Plant in early spring.
- Cold winters? Wait until late spring or early summer.
- Watch the temps – Rosemary won’t survive below 20°F. If it gets that cold where you live, plant in pots so you can bring them indoors for winter.
This way, you get the beauty and bounty of rosemary—year-round.
Pruning and Harvesting Rosemary the Right Way
Even with the best soil for rosemary, proper pruning keeps your plant healthy, bushy, and beautiful. Here’s how to do it right:
- When to prune: Trim between spring and late summer for best results. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
- Shaping tips: Rosemary responds well to shaping—just prune evenly and regularly to encourage full growth.
- Harvest time: Spring and summer are ideal, but rosemary can be harvested year-round if needed.
- How to harvest: Snip off 4–6″ stem tips using clean pruners.
- Drying method: Hang cut stems upside-down in a cool, well-ventilated room. In about two weeks, they’ll be ready to store and use.
Once dried, remove the leaves and store them in an airtight jar for cooking, cocktails, or even DIY home fragrances.
How to Improve Poor Soil for Rosemary
If your garden soil is heavy or clayey:The Garden Hows
- Amend with Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or aged manure to enhance soil structure.
- Add Sand or Perlite: Mix in coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Use Raised Beds: Elevate planting areas to facilitate better water runoff.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overwatering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Poor Drainage: Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid using saucers that retain water.
- Inappropriate Soil Mix: Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soils that can suffocate roots.The Garden Hows+15High Plains Observer+15Bonnie Plants+15
Other Potential Problems
- Fungal issues like powdery mildew or root rot – Usually caused by overwatering. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Poor air circulation – Make sure your plant has space to breathe. Avoid crowding.
- Pests like spider mites – Start with insecticidal soap. If needed, trim affected branches to stop the spread.
FAQs About the Best Soil for Rosemary
A loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for rosemary.
Yes, so long as it’s a sandy or loamy mix! Not using well-drained soil will lead to wet soil, which in turn results in pests, disease, and other issues for your plants.
Any area or pot that can provide the proper pH levels and good drainage will work for rosemary. That said, I would recommend going with a larger pot if possible.
Single Miracle-Gro sells many different types of potting soil, there isn’t a universal answer here. However, whether you’re growing in pots or in garden beds, Miracle-Gro® Performance Organics® All Purpose Container Mix will work just fine for your rosemary plants.
Yes, rosemary must be placed in a sunny spot for at least six hours daily. Supplemental grow lights can compensate for less sun exposure.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, using the best soil for rosemary is key to growing a healthy, vibrant plant—whether it’s on your kitchen windowsill, a DIY Herb Pot, or in a sun-drenched garden bed. Pair the right soil with proper sunlight, thoughtful pruning, and a little love, and you’ll be rewarded with a plant that looks beautiful and elevates your cooking, too. If you’re diving into herbs and houseplants, don’t miss my garden guide posts and great house plant care tips covering everything from how often to water a snake plant to how to propagate succulent plants from leaves and cuttings. And if you’re in the mood to put that rosemary to good use, these lemongrass cookies are the perfect sweet treat with a citrusy twist.
