Rooting a Rosemary Cutting in Zone 7b (North Carolina)

Propagating Rosemary from a Root Cutting

A gardener in mid-North Carolina (zone 7b) has a small rosemary cutting with a root piece from a large, flowering bush and wants to root it successfully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Plant in a pot with sterile potting soil; water lightly.
2. Place indoors in an east- or south-facing window with full sun all day.
3. Mist with warm water every three days.
4. Do not fertilize until spring.
5. After last frost, move outdoors and fertilize with liquid fish fertilizer (Home Depot/Lowe's).
6. Prune one-third off each branch every three weeks to encourage dense growth.

Rooting is not guaranteed, but these steps maximize success.