Tuscan Blue Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue'
herbA woody Mediterranean perennial prized for both its fragrant culinary leaves and striking pale blue flower spikes. Essential in many Mediterranean, French, and Italian dishes, and one of the most popular culinary herbs for beginning and experienced gardeners alike. Drought-tolerant once established, Tuscan Blue is one of the most cold-tender but intensely flavored rosemary cultivars.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 5 days
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Harvest
~90 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
tender perennial
Perennial in warm zones; grown as an annual where winters freeze
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Spacing
24-36 in
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Planting Depth
Crown at soil level
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Soil pH
6.0-8.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Sandy, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 8 – 11
When to Fertilize
Light compost top-dressing in early spring only; overfertilizing reduces aromatic oil content
Fertilizer
Minimal; lean soil produces the most flavorful, aromatic rosemary
🌱 Growing Guide
Purchase transplants or propagate from cuttings — rosemary is difficult to start from seed. Plant in full sun in well-draining, lean soil. In zones 7 and colder, grow in containers that can be overwintered indoors near a sunny window. Do not overwater — rosemary strongly prefers dry conditions and is killed by root rot far more often than by drought. Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Planting Calendar
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Start seeds indoors
Feb 4
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Transplant outdoors
Apr 29
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Projected first harvest
Jul 28
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Cabbage — Rosemary strongly deters cabbage moth; plant at the border of brassica beds
- Carrot — Rosemary scent said to deter carrot rust fly
- Bean — Repels bean beetles when planted nearby
- Sage — Classic Mediterranean herb garden combination; both thrive in identical conditions
❌ Keep away from
CucumberPumpkin
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Improve airflow; mist occasionally in very dry conditions; neem oil spray
Knock off foam masses with water; rarely causes serious damage
Ensure excellent airflow; avoid overhead watering; neem oil spray if needed
The primary killer of rosemary; never plant in wet spots; raised beds with gritty well-draining soil are ideal
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest young stem tips 3 to 6 inches long throughout the growing season. Always cut above a leaf node. Avoid cutting back into old woody growth below the green zone — it often will not resprout. Fresh rosemary can be refrigerated in a damp towel for up to 2 weeks. Dry by hanging bundles in a warm shaded area; dried rosemary retains full flavor for 6 to 12 months.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Rich in carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid — powerful antioxidants studied for neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Good source of vitamin B6, calcium, and iron. Contains ursolic acid, studied for potential anticancer properties. Strong antimicrobial volatile oils (1,8-cineole, camphor) used in traditional medicine.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.