potted Rosemary Christmas Tree | potted herbs

How to grow a Potted Rosemary Christmas Tree

Rosemary Christmas Tree

Re-potting the root bound rosemary Christmas Tree

Potted rosemary trees make a charming centerpiece or holiday gift. The aromatic scent of Rosemariunus officianalis enhances meat and bread and adds fragrant oil in potpourri. Known as the herb of remembrance, rosemary has been carried by brides to remember their vows and laid on caskets to signify the loved one would not be forgotten. With proper care, you can enjoy your potted rosemary tree for many years.

Remove the decorative paper around the pot. Rosemary Christmas trees are packaged to look pretty, but the paper will prevent the pot from draining and encourage rot.

Check the roots. Healthy roots will appear woody and brown, without evidence of blackness or rot from over watering. Cut out any mushy or rotted parts when repotting.

Repot when you notice the rosemary tree wilts quickly and you cannot seem to keep it watered. Most decorative rosemary Christmas trees are completely pot bound when sold in the store. Choose a wide stocky pot with adequate drainage holes. Add a layer of gravel on the bottom and repot with a mix of quick draining cactus soil and potting soil.

Thoroughly water your rosemary tree at the sink and drain well; never let your rosemary plant sit in water. Drooping branches indicate an immediate need for water, but allow the topsoil to dry slightly between watering. If potted correctly, once a week should be sufficient.

Place your potted rosemary tree in a sunny but cool location for the winter. A south or west window with six hours of light is ideal. Hardy to gardening zone 6, rosemary will tolerate winter temperatures down to 40 degrees. 55 to 60 degrees is ideal.

Increase humidity with a tray of pebbles if the indoor air is dry. Protect the rosemary tree from drafts or drying heat vents. Keep the leaves dry and do not mist to prevent mildew.

Turn the rosemary tree one-quarter turn each day. Prune occasionally to keep the Christmas tree shape; enjoy the herb clippings in your cooking or potpourris.

Place the potted rosemary tree outdoors in the summer. Choose a location with adequate sunlight and sheltered from drying wind. Keep the plant well watered during the active growing season, but never allow the pot to sit in water. Reduce watering as the weather cools in the fall.

Check for whitefly or mealy bugs before bringing indoors. Neem oil is a natural pesticide that will not harm beneficial insects and is safe for human consumption food plants. Apply as directed if insects appear on your rosemary tree.

Avoid using lights if decorating your rosemary Christmas tree. Miniature decorations are perfect to avoid breaking the branches.

Rosemary Recipes:
Rosemary roasted potatoes
Rosemary lemon herb chicken

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