How to grow rosemary so that it blooms out of the pot?

Rosemary is not only an ornamental herb, it also plays an important role in the culinary field. Rosemary leaves have a special aroma and are one of the indispensable spices in Western cooking. It is particularly suitable for use in meat dishes such as steak, lamb, chicken, etc., and can add flavor to the food. So how do you grow rosemary so that it blooms rapidly?

1. Choose the right flower pot

Rosemary needs a pot that is well-ventilated and does not allow water to accumulate to prevent root rot. The recommended materials for flower pots are terracotta pots, clay pots, green pots, plastic pots and glazed ceramic pots. If using a plastic pot, you should add drainage holes and raise the pot appropriately to facilitate water loss. The flowerpot should be of suitable size, with a diameter of about 20cm.

2. Soil configuration

Rosemary grows best in loose, breathable sandy loam, which can be mixed with nutrient soil and granular soil. Add well-rotted organic fertilizer or controlled-release fertilizer as base fertilizer, and lay expanded clay at the bottom of the pot to prevent soil loss. Rosemary prefers neutral or slightly alkaline soil. If the soil is acidic, use lime water or wood ash to adjust the pH value.

3. Lighting management

Rosemary prefers full sun, especially in spring, fall, and winter. It should be placed in a well-lit location, such as outdoors, on a balcony or near a window. In summer, appropriate shade is needed to avoid strong direct sunlight that may cause the branches and leaves to wilt.

4. Water and fertilizer management

Rosemary leaves have a certain water retention capacity, so watering should follow the principle of "watering when dry and watering when wet" to avoid water accumulation. Watering in summer should be done in the morning or evening, avoiding high temperature periods. Rosemary does not require much fertilizer. During the peak growth period, you can apply a thin compound fertilizer or decomposed organic fertilizer once a month, or 2-3 times a year.

5. Maintain ventilation

Good ventilation is essential to rosemary care, as it helps moisture evaporate and prevents pests and diseases. The plant should be placed in a well-ventilated location, and the dense branches and leaves should be trimmed in time to improve the permeability of the plant.

6. Proper pruning

Rosemary should be pruned moderately to avoid heavy pruning that makes it difficult for side buds to germinate. When pruning, the length of each branch should not be cut more than half. At the same time, pay attention to trimming the excessive small buds in the leaf axils to keep the plant ventilated and light-permeable and maintain a beautiful plant shape.

In summary, rosemary is a versatile herb that can not only be used as an ornamental plant to add beauty to the home environment, but also has its unique aroma in cooking. Follow these care tips to ensure healthy growth of your rosemary.