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Introduction
Rosemary is a versatile and fragrant herb that elevates the flavor of many dishes, from roasted meats to soups and salads. However, buying fresh rosemary from the store can become costly over time. The good news is, you can grow rosemary indefinitely without needing to purchase it again. With a bit of care and patience, you'll have a steady supply of fresh rosemary growing right at home, whether on your windowsill, balcony, or garden. In this article, we’ll show you how to cultivate rosemary from cuttings, ensuring that you never run out of this fragrant herb again.
Ingredients:
Fresh rosemary sprig (preferably from a healthy, non-flowering plant)
A glass of water or small pot with well-draining soil
A rooting hormone (optional, but helpful)
A sunny windowsill or outdoor space
A small pot (if you’re using soil)
Instructions:
Select a Healthy Sprig:
Choose a healthy rosemary sprig that is free from disease or damage. It should be around 4-6 inches long, with several leaves attached to the stem.
Prepare the Cutting:
Trim the rosemary sprig just below a node (where leaves are attached to the stem). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the sprig, making sure to leave a few leaves at the top.
Use Rooting Hormone (Optional):
If you have rooting hormone, dip the cut end of the rosemary sprig into the powder. This will encourage root growth and speed up the process.
Place in Water or Soil:
You can either place the rosemary cutting in a glass of water or plant it directly in soil. If using water, ensure the stem is submerged but the leaves are not. Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh.
If planting in soil, make a small hole in the soil with a pencil, insert the cutting, and press the soil around it to hold it upright.
Wait for Roots to Form:
Whether in water or soil, place the cutting in a warm spot with plenty of indirect sunlight. If growing in water, you should start to see roots within 2-3 weeks. If in soil, it may take a little longer—typically 4-6 weeks.
Transplant if Needed:
Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, you can transplant your rosemary cutting into a larger pot or garden bed. Rosemary prefers well-draining, sandy soil and needs plenty of sunlight to thrive.
Regular Care:
Water your rosemary plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as rosemary doesn’t like to sit in damp soil. Ensure your plant gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Tips: Fresh rosemary is a fantastic addition to roasted vegetables, meats, and pasta dishes. To preserve its flavor, chop or strip the leaves off the stem just before using it in recipes.
Storing:
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