I've been growing a rosemary cutting from a woody stem for over a year in a 5-gallon pot here in the San Francisco Bay Area, where temperatures typically reach 65-70 degrees. However, it hasn't really taken off—the plant is only big enough to cover the pot's surface. Half of it has turned brown while the other half is healthy and green. I've been watering it every week or two, but I'm wondering about what soil mix, pot size, and general care it needs. Any tips on how to get my rosemary to grow better?
3 Answers
I've had better luck growing rosemary in the ground rather than in a pot. If you can, find a sunny spot and plant it directly into the soil—especially near areas that get warmer like by a driveway. They don’t need much water or fertilizer. In my experience, potted rosemary tends to last only about 2 years at most before giving up.
First off, cut away the brown parts of your rosemary; they’re dead and can hinder its growth. Try transplanting it into a clay pot, as rosemary doesn’t like to be overly wet. Water it every 7-10 days, and don’t fertilize it—rosemary prefers to be on the drier side. When you repot, use some older soil that's still good; it can really help!
It sounds like your rosemary might be struggling due to the typical climate in SF. Rosemary prefers heat and sunshine over the cool and moist conditions. Make sure it's positioned in full sun for most of the day. If it still struggles despite that, it could be root rot. Trim off any dead sections and consider replanting in well-draining soil.