🌿 How to Grow Rosemary Successfully in Canada – A Simple Guide from DH Garden Centre
Author: Darrell Smith | DH Garden Centre, Vancouver
Updated March 2025
There’s something incredibly satisfying about stepping into your backyard, snipping a sprig of fresh rosemary, and using it to season your roast or steep in a calming herbal tea. But let me tell you something I see far too often here at DH Garden Centre: folks underestimate rosemary. They think it’s just another herb. But rosemary, when grown right, can transform your garden and your kitchen.
I’ve been helping Vancouver homeowners with their gardens for over 25 years through DH Landscape Solution and more than a decade at DH Garden Centre. And if there’s one herb that both excites and confuses new gardeners, it’s rosemary.
So, whether you’re in Kitsilano with a sunny balcony or you’ve got a raised bed out in your backyard in Burnaby or North Van, this guide is for you.
🌱 What Is Rosemary, and Why Should You Grow It?
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, evergreen perennial from the Mediterranean. That means it loves sun, well-drained soil, and just the right amount of attention—not too much, not too little.
Here’s why I always recommend rosemary to our customers:
-
It’s easy to grow once established.
-
It smells heavenly—walk past it, and you’ll feel like you’re in Tuscany.
-
It’s a pollinator magnet and deters certain pests.
-
It’s a flavour powerhouse in the kitchen.
🏡 Darrell’s True Story: The Balcony Breakthrough
A few years ago, a customer named Lisa came into the garden centre. She was frustrated. “Darrell, everything I plant dies. I live in a condo with just a small balcony.”
We talked. I learned her balcony got 6+ hours of sunlight, and she wanted something hardy, useful, and beautiful.
I handed her a rosemary cutting in a terracotta pot and said, “Give this three months. I’ll walk you through it.”
Today, Lisa still sends me photos of her rosemary tree—and she’s growing thyme and basil now too. All it took was the right plant, placed in the right spot, with just a bit of guidance.
🌞 How to Grow Rosemary in Canada – The Right Way
Let’s clear something up: rosemary isn’t fussy—but it is specific. Here’s how to get it right from day one.
🔁 Option 1: Grow From Cuttings (Best for Beginners)
Starting rosemary from cuttings is faster and has a much higher success rate than seeds.
Here’s what to do:
-
Take a cutting from a healthy rosemary plant (about 5-6 inches long).
-
Strip the lower leaves, then pop the cutting in water or moist soil.
-
Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form (2–3 weeks).
-
Transplant into a pot with sandy, well-draining soil.
-
Water lightly and give it time. Once you feel resistance when tugging, it’s rooted!
🌿 Pro tip: We sell rooted rosemary cuttings at DH Garden Centre if you want to skip the wait!
🌱 Option 2: Grow From Seeds (Slower, but Rewarding)
Growing rosemary from seed? You’re in for a test of patience—but the payoff can be big.
Start seeds indoors 3–6 months before outdoor planting season.
-
Use a seed-starting mix (light, well-draining).
-
Sow 3–4 seeds per cell or pot.
-
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and cover with a humidity dome or wrap.
-
Place in a sunny window or under grow lights. Germination can take 2–4 weeks!
-
Once seedlings are 3–6 inches tall, harden them off before transplanting outdoors.
🌤️ Best time to move rosemary outdoors in Vancouver? Late May to early June, when nights are consistently above 10°C.
💧 Rosemary Care 101 – Darrell’s “Golden Rules”
-
Sunlight is non-negotiable
Rosemary needs 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. No exceptions! -
Let it dry out between watering
Overwatering = root rot. Check the soil before watering. Dry 1–2 inches down? Time to water. -
Avoid heavy, clay-based soils
Use a sandy or cactus mix or mix in perlite for drainage. We’ve got the perfect blend at our store! -
Prune often for bushiness
Cut the top tips regularly to encourage fuller growth and better branching. -
Bring it inside during frost
If you’re in a colder Canadian zone (below Zone 7), rosemary won’t survive the winter outside. Grow it in a pot and bring it indoors from late October to early spring.
🐛 Common Rosemary Problems in Vancouver—and How to Fix Them
-
Problem: Leaves turning yellow or brown
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
✅ Fix: Repot in dry, well-drained soil and water less. -
Problem: Powdery mildew (especially indoors)
✅ Fix: Improve airflow, don’t overcrowd your plants, and avoid misting foliage. -
Problem: No scent or flavour
✅ Fix: Plant in full sun. Rosemary needs sunlight to produce essential oils!
🌿 Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Rosemary in Canada
1. Can rosemary survive winter in Canada?
In most parts of Canada, rosemary can’t survive the harsh winter outdoors. If you live in Zone 7 or lower, bring rosemary indoors in a pot before the first frost. In warmer coastal areas like Vancouver, it can sometimes survive outdoors with protection.
2. How often should I water my rosemary plant?
Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out before watering again. Rosemary prefers drier conditions and is very sensitive to overwatering.
3. Does rosemary need full sun?
Yes! Rosemary thrives in 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use a grow light.
4. What’s the easiest way to grow rosemary?
The easiest method is to grow rosemary from cuttings, not seeds. It’s faster and has a much higher success rate, especially for beginners.
5. Why is my rosemary plant turning yellow or dying?
This is often caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or lack of sunlight. Make sure your pot has drainage holes and the soil dries out between watering.
6. Can I grow rosemary in a pot on my balcony?
Absolutely! Rosemary does well in containers. Just ensure it’s in well-draining soil, gets plenty of sun, and you bring it inside during freezing weather.
7. When should I harvest rosemary for the best flavour?
The essential oils in rosemary are strongest right before the plant blooms. Cut the sprigs then, and hang them to dry for later use in cooking or tea.
🌿 Final Thoughts from Darrell
Growing rosemary isn’t just about herbs—it’s about confidence.
I’ve seen it time and again: one thriving rosemary plant gives a beginner gardener the belief they can grow something. And from there, the garden grows—literally.
So whether you’re just starting your gardening journey or you’ve had a few bumps along the way, rosemary is your reset. It’s a reminder that nature is patient, generous, and always ready to reward your effort.
Come visit us at DH Garden Centre on West 10th in Kitsilano, or shop online. We’ll help you find the perfect rosemary, the perfect soil, and the confidence to grow more than just herbs.
Let’s bring your garden to life—together. 🌱
