Like most herbs, rosemary is easy to care for and grow. However, it has its share of problems that can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Quick action can usually save the plant, since most of the problems that cause yellowing are caused by a lack of proper care.
Contents
How often do you water a rosemary plant?
If all the rosemary turns yellow, including all the leaves, it is likely that the plant has not received enough water. Check the soil moisture level by inserting a finger about 1 inch deep. If it is dry, give water to the plant. In some cases, it may be too late and the rosemary will die; however, many plants will regain their full health when they start receiving water regularly.
If the soil is too wet, consider repotting the plant in a pot with a drain and a cup, without letting the water stagnate in the cup, or even on a bottom of gravel or clay balls in the pot to improve drainage. Beware, however, a lack of water can also cause leaves to turn yellow. If the soil is dry and the leaves withered, water without excess and observe.
Check the exposure
Second cause of frequent yellowing, a plant badly exposed, and not only from the point of view of luminosity. Most plants hate drafts and large temperature differences. Placed in front of a regularly open window or in line with the front door, for example, some houseplants begin to yellow to express their displeasure.
Rosemary kept in a pot on a porch or indoors may not receive enough light to be healthy. A plant that does not receive light will begin to yellow and eventually wither and die. Move rosemary to a place where it will receive eight to ten hours of indirect sunlight per day, or move it outside.
Lack of nutrients
If a rosemary plant lacks essential nutrients, especially nitrogen, it may begin to turn yellow. Fertilize the plant with a general fertilizer, repeating the treatment every one to two months in spring and summer, especially if the plant is grown in a pot or potted plant.
Diseases and insects
Infestations of insects such as thrips, whiteflies and aphids can damage the leaves of a rosemary. Eventually, this damage can cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown.
Damage is usually limited to a single section of the plant rather than the entire plant, as in the case of a lack of water, nutrients or sunlight. Spray the plant with a mixture of dish soap and water to kill insects.
How do you revive a dying rosemary plant?
Rosemary is a very easy shrub that requires virtually no maintenance. Do not hesitate to clean the foot of the rosemary to avoid the presence of weeds.
In colder regions, cover the base with a good layer of dried leaves to protect it from the cold.
Rosemary watering
Water regularly the first year after planting if it is hot and not raining.
Once past this first year, it is a shrub that tolerates drought perfectly.
Rosemary harvest
You will be able to cut the branches you need throughout the year.
It is best to cut on wood of the year to stimulate new growth and to branch out the rosemary.
Rosemary flowers are edible and can decorate a dish as well as a dessert.
Cut the rosemary
Remove dead branches in early spring.
Do not prune on dry wood as rosemary will not grow back on these old parts.
Summary
Rosemary should be planted in spring or autumn and preferably in light, well-drained soil.
Rosemary is a Mediterranean plant that adapts to most regions (except for high mountains) and is much more afraid of excess moisture or lack of sunshine than cold.
- Rosemary loves the sun, even in hot summer situations.
- Prefer a situation sheltered from strong winds, especially near the sea.
- Rosemary fears moisture in the soil and is not resistant to stagnant water.
- It likes well-drained soil, even poor or calcareous.
Most of the time, its yellowing is therefore due either to a lack of watering, or to a lack of exposure.