Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a popular herb known for its aromatic leaves, used to enhance various dishes. To ensure a steady supply of fresh rosemary leaves, regular harvesting is essential. Additionally, pruning your rosemary plant helps maintain its health and encourages robust growth.
When Should You Cut Rosemary?
The best time to cut rosemary is in the spring, just after it finishes blooming. This is when the plant experiences vigorous growth and requires regular trimming to prevent it from becoming woody. A harsh pruning session at this time helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages branching, leading to a fuller, healthier shrub. However, it’s important to wait until after the risk of late frosts has passed—typically by early May—before pruning new shoots to protect them from cold damage. Cutting your rosemary after flowering can also encourage a second bloom in late summer, making it possible to harvest even more leaves.
Pruning Rosemary: Step-by-Step
When cutting rosemary, avoid trimming it back to the woody parts, as this will hinder new growth. Instead, prune just above the woody areas to allow the plant to sprout fresh shoots. Regular harvesting naturally shapes the plant, but occasional deep pruning is necessary for optimal growth.
- Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. This will help make smooth cuts, reducing the chance of infection from plant diseases.
- Cut above the woody part of the stem. Focus on removing old, dry, or unhealthy stems, as well as any overcrowded branches.
- Shape the plant evenly. Prune from all sides, including the center, to ensure a uniform, bushy growth.
How to Harvest Rosemary
Rosemary can be harvested from mid-May through the summer, after the danger of frost has passed. To harvest, use sharp scissors to cut non-woody stems just above the woody base. Always trim whole sprigs of rosemary rather than individual leaves, as the plant is sensitive to partial harvesting.
- Harvest evenly from all sides. This ensures the plant retains a balanced shape.
- Cut healthy stems. Avoid taking only a few leaves from each sprig, as this can stress the plant.
Radical Pruning of Rosemary
If your rosemary plant has grown too woody over time, a more drastic “renewal” pruning can help rejuvenate it. In this case, trim back all the stems to just above the woody sections. This allows fresh growth to emerge from the non-woody nodes of the stems.
This aggressive pruning helps control the plant’s height and prevents it from becoming leggy, while promoting healthy new shoots.
Storing and Preserving Rosemary
Once harvested, rosemary can be used fresh or dried. If you wish to preserve it, drying is an excellent option. Simply hang the stems upside down in a dry, warm place until the leaves are completely dry. For detailed tips on how to store and preserve rosemary, check out our article on preserving herbs.