SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Spice Island

Rosemary
Zone 11a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Spice Island to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Spice Island
90d to harvest

Breathe in the resinous, pine-kissed fragrance of ‘Spice Island’ Rosemary—an aromatic herb with a bold, clean bite that feels vivid even before it’s gathered. At maturity, its narrow, deep green needles hold their shape and sheen, offering a supple, evergreen texture that’s especially prized for fragrance-forward flavoring in the garden. Grow ‘Spice Island’ for standout aromatic presence in dried bundles, herb blends, and flavorful infusions—an enduring perennial that keeps the landscape fragrant long after planting.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start rosemary indoors a bit earlier, then transplant only when nights are consistently warm so new growth can establish quickly.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
MilestoneDate
Start Indoors—
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow OutdoorsOct 1st
Harvest BeginsDec 30th
Harvest EndsFeb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity90
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitUpright
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)60
Min Night Temp (°F)50
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Spice Island in Zone 11a typically begins around 2026-10-01. Wait until soil reaches at least 60°F before transplanting Spice Island.

Garden Alerts

In frost-free Zone 11a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew on Salvia rosmarinus (Spice Island) in summer?
Powdery mildew shows up as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems, often when plants stay too damp or airflow is poor. Water at the base, space plants so leaves don’t touch, and remove badly affected shoots early. If it keeps returning, spray with a label-approved sulfur or potassium bicarbonate product and repeat as directed, avoiding treatments during hot afternoons.
How often should I water Spice Island (Salvia rosmarinus) during active growth?
In the main growing phase, keep soil lightly moist but not wet—water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for deep watering (so moisture reaches the root zone), then let the soil dry down slightly again; Salvia rosmarinus prefers drier conditions and will struggle in persistently soggy soil. If growing in containers, check more frequently because pots dry faster.
When is Salvia rosmarinus (Spice Island) ready to harvest, and how should I harvest?
Harvest once plants are well established (typically around 90 days) and actively producing new growth, especially when leaves are fully developed and aromatic. Cut stems in the morning and take no more than about one-third of the plant at a time to keep it producing. Lightly remove spent tips to encourage fresh flushes for continued harvest.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 60°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Expert Note

Start rosemary indoors a bit earlier, then transplant only when nights are consistently warm so new growth can establish quickly.

Botanical illustration of Spice Island

Breathe in the resinous, pine-kissed fragrance of ‘Spice Island’ Rosemary—an aromatic herb with a bold, clean bite that feels vivid even before it’s gathered. At maturity, its narrow, deep green needles hold their shape and sheen, offering a supple, evergreen texture that’s especially prized for fragrance-forward flavoring in the garden. Grow ‘Spice Island’ for standout aromatic presence in dried bundles, herb blends, and flavorful infusions—an enduring perennial that keeps the landscape fragrant long after planting.