Tuscan Blue Rosemary

Tuscan Blue Rosemary Planting and Care Guide

Tuscan Blue Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis 'Tuscan Blue') is an aromatic herb known for its tall, upright growth and striking blue flowers. It is highly valued not only for its culinary uses but also as an ornamental plant in gardens, borders, or containers. This variety of rosemary grows taller than other types, making it ideal for hedges, screens, or large containers. Here's how to plant and care for your Tuscan Blue Rosemary.

1. Planting Instructions

• Location: Choose a spot with full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Rosemary thrives in warm, sunny locations and prefers mild climates. Tuscan Blue Rosemary grows best in USDA zones 8-11. In colder climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter.
• Soil Preparation: Rosemary requires well-draining soil. It tolerates poor, sandy soils, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). To improve drainage, especially in clay soil, amend with sand or organic matter like compost. Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged soils, as this can lead to root rot.
• Spacing: If planting multiple plants, space them 2-3 feet apart to allow good airflow and healthy growth. Tuscan Blue Rosemary can grow up to 4-6 feet tall and about 2-3 feet wide.
• Planting Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and about the same depth. Place the rosemary in the hole, making sure the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil and gently press down to remove air pockets.
• Container Planting: If growing in a container, choose a pot at least 12-16 inches in diameter with drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one formulated for Mediterranean herbs or cactus mix.

2. Care Instructions (Establishment Period)

• Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. For the first year, water regularly to help establish the root system, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, Tuscan Blue Rosemary is quite drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering—about once a week during dry spells.
• Fertilizing: Rosemary doesn’t require heavy feeding. In spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or use organic options like compost. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can reduce the plant’s aromatic oils and flavor.
• Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

3. Maintenance and Long-Term Care

• Pruning: Prune your Tuscan Blue Rosemary regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain its shape. Light pruning after flowering in late spring helps remove spent blooms and keeps the plant tidy. In late winter or early spring, prune to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Avoid cutting into the woody stems, as rosemary doesn't regrow from old wood.
• Pest and Disease Control: Rosemary is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Rosemary can also suffer from root rot if overwatered, so ensure the soil drains well and avoid watering too frequently.
• Cold Protection: In zones colder than 8, rosemary should be grown in containers so it can be brought indoors during freezing temperatures. If you’re growing it outdoors in cooler zones, protect the plant with frost cloths or by placing it in a sheltered area.
• Companion Planting: Rosemary is a great companion plant for vegetables like beans, cabbage, and carrots. Its aromatic oils can help repel pests in the garden.

4. Harvesting Tuscan Blue Rosemary

• When to Harvest: You can harvest rosemary year-round, but the best flavor comes from harvesting just before it blooms in late spring or early summer. For the most intense flavor, harvest in the morning after the dew has dried.
• How to Harvest: Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut 4-6 inch sprigs of rosemary, preferably from the top of the plant to encourage bushier growth. Avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time to allow it to continue growing healthily.
• Drying and Storing: Rosemary dries easily for long-term storage. Bundle the sprigs together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place for a few weeks. Once dry, store the rosemary in an airtight container. You can also freeze fresh sprigs or preserve them in oil for later use.

5. Container Growing (Optional)

• Container Size: Use a large container (at least 12-16 inches wide) to accommodate the plant’s root system and ensure proper drainage. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. Add perlite or sand to improve drainage, especially if using a standard potting mix.
• Watering: Container-grown rosemary needs more frequent watering than plants in the ground. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid letting the plant sit in water.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, bring container-grown rosemary indoors before the first frost. Place it in a sunny window or under grow lights for the winter months. Reduce watering in winter, as the plant's growth slows down.

6. Culinary and Ornamental Uses

• Culinary Use: Tuscan Blue Rosemary has a robust flavor and is perfect for use in cooking. It pairs well with meats, especially lamb and chicken, and is often used to flavor roasts, soups, and stews. Fresh sprigs can be added to oils, marinades, or even baked into bread for an aromatic flavor.
• Ornamental: In addition to its culinary value, Tuscan Blue Rosemary makes a striking addition to gardens and landscapes. Its upright form, dark green leaves, and bright blue flowers create a beautiful focal point in borders, herb gardens, or along pathways.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a beneficial plant for pollinator-friendly gardens.