Growing Rosemary Indoors — Complete Guide
Yes, Rosemary can be grown indoors. Here's everything you need to know: container size, light requirements, watering schedule, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Rosemary Indoors — At a Glance
Container Size for Indoor Rosemary
Recommended: 8–12 inch pot
Rosemary develops a substantial root system over time. Start in an 8-inch pot and move to a 10–12 inch pot as it matures. Terra cotta pots are ideal — rosemary prefers to dry out between waterings.
Light Requirements
Hours of Light Needed
14–16 hours
per day, consistently
Grow Light Recommendation
Rosemary is the most light-demanding common herb. A south-facing window is a minimum requirement. Supplement with a high-output LED grow light in winter, 14–16 hours daily.
Watering and Humidity
Ideal Humidity: 30–50%
Rosemary prefers dry air — it's native to the Mediterranean. Average home humidity is usually fine. Avoid misting and keep away from steam sources like kettles.
Ideal Temperature: 60–80°F (16–27°C)
Keep away from cold drafts (air conditioning, windows in winter) and excessive heat sources (heaters, ovens). Consistent temperature produces the most vigorous growth.
How to Grow Rosemary Indoors: Step by Step
Choose a well-draining container
Use a terracotta pot with drainage holes. Fill with a 50/50 mix of potting soil and perlite or coarse sand — rosemary hates wet roots.
Start from a cutting or transplant
Growing from seed takes months. Start with a nursery plant or a 4-inch stem cutting dipped in rooting hormone.
Maximize light
Place in your sunniest south-facing window, or position a high-output LED grow light 6–8 inches above the plant for 14–16 hours daily.
Water carefully
Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry completely before watering. In winter when growth slows, water even less frequently — perhaps every 10–14 days.
Feed sparingly
Rosemary is a light feeder. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength once a month during spring and summer only.
Harvest by trimming
Snip young, green stem tips — never cut into the woody, brown stems, as these rarely regrow. Harvest lightly to encourage bushy new growth.
Common Indoor Rosemary Problems & Fixes
Crispy, browning leaves
Cause
Too little water or excessive dry heat
Fix
Water more consistently; move away from heating vents
Leggy, pale growth
Cause
Insufficient light
Fix
Move to the sunniest window available or add a strong grow light
Root rot (sudden wilting despite moist soil)
Cause
Overwatering — rosemary's most common killer indoors
Fix
Repot in dry, gritty mix; allow to dry thoroughly between waterings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Rosemary indoors?
Yes, Rosemary can be grown indoors with the right conditions. You'll need 14–16 hours of Full sun — most demanding herb for light, a 8–12 inch pot, and temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). The difficulty level for growing Rosemary indoors is Moderate.
How much light does indoor Rosemary need?
Indoor Rosemary needs 14–16 hours of light per day. Rosemary is the most light-demanding common herb. A south-facing window is a minimum requirement. Supplement with a high-output LED grow light in winter, 14–16 hours daily.
What size container does indoor Rosemary need?
Rosemary develops a substantial root system over time. Start in an 8-inch pot and move to a 10–12 inch pot as it matures. Terra cotta pots are ideal — rosemary prefers to dry out between waterings.
Best Cities for Growing Rosemary Outdoors
If you're growing Rosemary indoors year-round, check the outdoor calendar for your city — you may be able to grow it outside during warmer months too.
Growing Rosemary Outdoors Too?
Find the best planting times for Rosemary in your city with our climate-based calendar.