Irene

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic evergreen sprigs of Irene Rosemary spill a resinous, pine-leaning fragrance with an elegant, silvery-green sheen.

The foliage is fine and needle-like, tender yet resilient, with a bright, herbaceous flavor that shines in fresh bouquets and dried bundles alike. Ideal for garden beds and edging where its creeping habit can be trained into fragrant swaths for roasting aromas, herb oils, and savory infusions—plus a bold, aromatic presence in pickling brines and herb blends.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Spreading

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 6th
Harvest Begins	Sep 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Spreading
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	45
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Irene rosemary brings a resinous, evergreen punch that stands up to heat without turning into woody bitterness, especially when used in short infusions or under-cooked meats. Its fine needle texture makes it ideal for herb oils and brines where the aroma stays sharp rather than dull.

Best Uses

roasting aromatics (slip sprigs under chicken or lamb for a perfumed, non-mushy hit)
quick steeped herb oil or rosemary-lemon oil for finishing
savory infusions for stocks and braises
herb-driven pickling brines and salt blends (hold flavor through curing/drying)

Flavor Profile

resinous pine-leaning aroma bright, herbaceous bite fine needle-tender texture slightly bitter herbal finish

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil butter chicken lamb

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary-type salvia), and how can I control it at home?

Watch for fungal issues like root rot and leaf spot during cool, wet weather—these are common when plants stay constantly damp. Water only when the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil is dry and make sure the pot/bed drains well; remove any badly spotted leaves and improve airflow by spacing plants. If it’s container-grown, use a free-draining mix and avoid wetting foliage when watering.

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

During active growth, water deeply but infrequently so the soil dries slightly between waterings. In most home gardens this works out to about 1–2 times per week depending on heat and your soil, but always confirm by checking that the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) is dry first. Aim for consistent dryness rather than frequent light watering, which keeps roots too wet.

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

Harvest when plants have enough strong leafy growth—typically around 90 days from sowing/establishment for best flavor and usable foliage. Take small to medium cuttings once stems are well-developed and leaves are fully formed and fragrant; avoid removing more than about one-third of the plant at a time. If you’re harvesting sprigs for use, pick in the morning when the foliage smells strongest.