April 25, 2023, 1:15 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Rosemary is one of the most popular culinary herbs. To keep it growing compactly, it needs to be pruned. Learn the best time to do this and what to watch out for.
Fresh rosemary in cooking–for many, it’s an absolute must. However, to enjoy this delicious kitchen herb for a long time, it must be properly cared for, which includes the right pruning. Find out when to prune rosemary and what to consider here.
Why You Should Prune Rosemary
Just like lavender, rosemary becomes woody from the bottom if not pruned. Woody parts do not produce new needles, which are essential for rosemary’s aroma. Over time, the harvest diminishes. Pruning rosemary not only prevents it from becoming woody but also helps it grow compact and healthy.
In the kitchen, rosemary is often exposed to a lot of moisture, which can lead to fungal infections. In such cases, the herb must be pruned.
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The Right Time to Prune Rosemary
The ideal time to prune rosemary is in the spring after it blooms. Pruning stimulates the plant’s growth. For outdoor plants, it’s best to wait until after the Ice Saints (a period in May known for late frosts in some European countries) to avoid frost damage to young shoots.
If needed, the herb can also be pruned again in the fall. However, the pruning should be moderate, as the plant is already preparing for the winter phase.
How to Prune Rosemary Correctly
Rosemary has difficulty sprouting from woody parts–therefore, the shears should be positioned a few centimeters above the old wood. It’s also important to thin out the rosemary to ensure all branches receive enough light and can grow. Additionally, diseased and weak shoots should be removed.