How to harvest Rosemary

[whiskyman]

I understand I can only harvest only the new shoots from a Rosemary bush. Can I harvest the main stems as well as the side shoots?

[Thelma Sanders]

If it could do with a prune, then cut off as much as you like
At this time of year I usually take off a misplaced branch or 2 to hang in the back porch so I can use it dry in the winter.

[whiskyman]

It does'nt really need a prune, it still a youngish plant(bought in Summer). I just thought I harvest a few stems to freeze.

Some of the leaves are turning yellow tho, is this normal?

[Chris172]

Hi

I have three large rosemary bushes in my garden and have cut them back yearly and just tied it up in bunches and given it away to friends and work staff who look forward to the prezzie.

They still come back strong with new growth yearly and are thriving in the sun and thee is just so much you can do with it great herb and an evergreen so pick it fresh all year round

Happy gardening


Sent from my iPad using Grow Your Own Forum mobile app

[veggiechicken]

There's no point in freezing rosemary. Its evergreen - just pick it as you need it!

[whiskyman]

I saw a video about freezing Rosemary, I guess it was one of those pointless videos people make.

Do you recommend pruning the tips to encourage side shoots?

[KevinM67]

I just want to add, Rosemary is my favourite herb - I pick and munch at it constantly when up at the plot.

Sorry for such a benign post.

[muddled]

I dry rosemary. Although it is evergreen, I find it looks a bit rough and unappetising in darkest winter.

Alan Titchmarsh apparently goes over his rosemary patch three times a year with a lawnmower. The patch looks like astroturf, lush and verdant green and he has soft tips to pick all year round with zero woody stems.

But I don't have a lawn or mower so I've not tried it myself ;-)

[Noosner]

I'm with VC - I just go on picking mine all year round and it's totally fine. It maybe needs a little bit more chopping up in winter when its leaves are tougher - but that's all.

[Thelma Sanders]

I dry some so I don't have to go out in bad weather to cut it

[VolesAteMyPeas]

I pick it fresh all year round but occasionally, as others do, I hang up bits I've cut off so they're on hand in the kitchen. When it's fully dried it crumbles quite nicely as fresh rosemary on some dishes can be a bit woody and obvious. I love the stuff. Second only to sage.

[Scarlet]

I dry some so I don't have to go out in bad weather to cut it

I have a couple in large pots near the kitchen door and if it's raining or cold send the kids out!

[Feral007]

I'm planning to make frozen oil garlic and herb blocks. Italian, french, indian. Figure I can be lazy in winter, and when the oregano and basil aren't out.

Question tho....my big rosemary bush has two very dead branches, they seem to be a couple of original ones from when it was smaller. Have I done something bad to it, or is it just bad luck?

[KevinM67]

Question tho....my big rosemary bush has two very dead branches, they seem to be a couple of original ones from when it was smaller. Have I done something bad to it, or is it just bad luck?

I'ts happened to mine also - planted new last year, I did split the roots into 2, then planted in a big bottomless pot in the ground. The other half is flourishing, so I"m not overly concerned at the moment.

I just hope what ever killed half of it doesn't spread.

[KevinM67]

I'm re-planning my plot a bit, and was wondering about digging up my 'established' Rosemary plant and putting it elsewhere.

It's currently in a large tub with the bottom missing and planted in the ground. Been there for around 3 years.

Is this a fairly easy process, or will I run the risk of killing it ?