Lockwood De Forest

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Fragrant as a sunlit hillside, Lockwood De Forest creeps with a silvery-green, resinous charm that perfumes the air when you brush past it.

Its narrow, needlelike leaves hold a bold, piney-rosemary flavor with a clean, aromatic bite—ideal for drying and for crafting deeply fragrant herb blends. Let this trailing perennial spill over edges and pathways, where its dense mat and enduring scent make it a favorite for pollinators all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 120 DaysHabit: Spreading

Botanical illustration of Lockwood De Forest

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 6th
Harvest Begins	Oct 4th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
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)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Lockwood De Forest’s creeping, resin-forward needles deliver a sharply perfumed rosemary oil that doesn’t fade the moment it hits heat. Use it aggressively—crushed into fat or roasted on hot starch—so the piney bite coats everything instead of turning bitter.

Best Uses

crush-and-rub steaks, chops, and roast poultry
dry and grind for high-impact finishing blends
slow-roast potatoes and root vegetables so the oils bloom
stir into compound butter or oil for an all-over fragrance

Flavor Profile

bold pine-needle aroma resinous, aromatic bite lean needle-leaf texture that holds up under heat

Kitchen Pairings

garlic lemon olive oil chicken roasted potatoes aged parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests or diseases commonly affect Salvia rosmarinus (Lockwood De Forest), and how can I stop them?

In full sun gardens, Salvia rosmarinus commonly suffers from powdery mildew when nights are cool and humidity stays high, and from root rot when soil stays soggy. Space plants for airflow, water at the base early in the day, and remove badly affected leaves; if mildew persists, spray with a labeled horticultural sulfur product according to the label. For root rot, let the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) of soil dry between waterings and ensure drainage is excellent (raised beds or gritty soil helps).

How often should I water Salvia rosmarinus during its main growing phase (after it establishes)?

During active growth, water deeply only when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry, aiming for about every 5–10 days depending on heat and rainfall. Salvia rosmarinus prefers evenly dry-to-dry conditions; frequent light watering keeps roots near moisture and increases rot risk. In containers, check daily in hot weather and always drain excess water so the pot never sits in a saucer of water.

How do I tell when Salvia rosmarinus (Lockwood De Forest) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the plant is actively flowering and the foliage is fragrant—generally around 100–120 days from sowing for this type. For best flavor, pick sprigs in the morning after dew dries and before the hottest part of the day, choosing young, tender growth near the tips. If you’re harvesting for drying, cut just before peak bloom so the leaves hold their aroma longer.