Hill Hardy

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Fragrant as a sunlit coastal breeze, Hill Hardy rosemary fills the garden with a resinous, piney aroma and a clean, savory flavor that lingers on the palate.

Its narrow, deep green needles hold their character through the season, with a pleasantly firm, aromatic texture that shines when used fresh or dried. Grow Hill Hardy for bold, steady performance and a dependable herb that elevates everyday herb blends, infusions, and preservations with its unmistakable character.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Oct 18th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Hill Hardy rosemary is built for heat and time: its needle-firm bite stays aromatic instead of collapsing into greenness. Use it early in the pan to perfume fats, then finish with a squeeze of lemon to keep the flavor from turning woody or resin-heavy.

Best Uses

chop-fresh over roasted potatoes and root vegetables
sizzle it into browned butter for a fast, fragrant sauce
dry it and grind into rubs for lamb, pork, and mushrooms
infuse oil or vinegar for vinaigrettes and pan sauces

Flavor Profile

resinous pine aroma savory, slightly camphorous bite needle-firm, aromatic texture lingering herb finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil browned butter lamb mushrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary) and how can I control it?

Rosemary commonly suffers from root rot and stem dieback when soil stays wet—watch for wilting plus blackened, mushy stems near the base. Improve drainage immediately (loosen soil and avoid overhead watering), then let the soil dry slightly between waterings; remove and discard any badly blackened stems to reduce spread. If you see gray, dusty growth or leaf spotting, thin for airflow and treat early with an appropriate fungicide labeled for herbs.

How often should I water Salvia rosmarinus during its main growing phase?

During active growth (late spring through summer), water deeply only when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; in full sun, this is often about once every 7–14 days depending on heat and soil. Aim for even moisture without sogginess—rosemary prefers a dry-to-moist cycle rather than constantly wet soil. In containers, ensure excess water drains freely and never leave the pot standing in a saucer of water.

How do I know when Salvia rosmarinus is ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants are well established—typically after about 90–120 days from sowing—and when stems have enough usable length and the foliage feels fragrant when rubbed. Pick sprigs in the morning; for best regrowth, take no more than about one-third of the plant at a time and cut just above a leaf node. Continue harvesting through the growing season, but avoid heavy cuts late in the season so new growth can harden off.