What Do Rosemary Seeds Look Like? Identifying and Planting This Classic Herb

With its piney fragrance and flavor, rosemary is a beloved herb for seasoning meats, soups, breads, and more. While rosemary can be easily propagated from cuttings, growing it from seeds is rewarding though challenging. If you want to try planting rosemary from seed, it helps to know what rosemary seeds look like.

Here’s an overview of rosemary seed identification and tips for successfully planting them:

Appearance of Rosemary Seeds

Rosemary seeds are tiny, measuring just 1 to 2 mm long. They have an oblong, somewhat cylindrical shape and pointed ends. The seed coat is hard and varies in color from yellowish green to brown or dark gray.

When removed from the dried seed heads or pods, rosemary seeds often have remnants of the papery bracts or fine hairs attached. These give the seeds a hairy, fuzzy, or wrinkled texture.

Under a magnifying glass, the surface may reveal a net-like pattern But overall they are very small and smooth, without any notable markings or stripes.

Harvesting and Collecting Rosemary Seeds

Rosemary seeds form in late spring to early summer after the small purple or blue flowers fade. The flowers give way to brown colored seed pods which contain two to three seeds each

The pods continue ripening over summer and begin splitting open when the seeds are mature. Monitor them closely and collect the pods individually as soon as they start to dry and turn brown.

Cut or twist off the ripe pods into a paper bag or bucket. Then spread them out in a single layer on screens or trays to finish drying indoors out of direct sunlight.

After a week or two, rub or gently crush the pods to separate the seeds. Remove any debris like bits of the pod or flower bracts.

Let the cleaned seeds air dry for about a week longer before storing in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot.

When to Plant Rosemary Seeds

Due to their hard outer coat, fresh rosemary seeds exhibit dormancy and can take up to a month or longer to germinate. They need a period of cold, moist stratification first to break dormancy.

For best results, stratify the seeds for 1-2 months before planting. Place them between damp paper towels in a ziplock bag or other sealed container and refrigerate. Check periodically and remoisten the towels if needed.

When ready to plant, start rosemary seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Provide warmth and bright light to encourage germination which can still take 14-28 days. Grow the seedlings on until the weather has settled before hardening off and transplanting outside after all danger of frost.

You can also sow seeds directly outdoors in fall in areas with mild winters. The natural winter cold and dampness will naturally stratify them for germination the following spring.

How to Plant Rosemary Seeds

Since rosemary seeds are so small, take care in handling them and don’t plant too deeply. Here are some tips:

• Fill starter trays or pots with a well-draining sterile seed starting mix. Moisten the soil before planting.

• Plant the seeds just on the surface or no more than 1⁄4 inch deep. Space approximately 1 inch apart.

• Cover lightly with mix or vermiculite if needed, but don’t bury too deeply.

• Maintain warm soil temperatures around 70°F. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.

• Once sprouted, move to brighter light. Thin seedlings to the strongest 2-3 per pot.

• Harden off before transplanting outdoors in well-drained soil once weather has stabilized. Space plants 18-24 inches apart.

• Grow in full sun and light, fast-draining soil. Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth.

With proper harvesting, storage, stratification, and planting technique, the diminutive rosemary seeds can be successfully started. Patience is needed as germination is slow, but the aromatic, flavorful herb is worth the effort.

Common Questions About Rosemary Seeds

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about identifying and planting rosemary seeds:

Where are rosemary seeds located on the plant?

The small rosemary seeds develop inside the brown seed pods that form after the flowers fade. Each pod contains 2-3 seeds. They are located at the bases of the flower clusters all along the rosemary stems.

What does a rosemary seed pod look like?

The pods are initially green but turn brown and papery as they mature and dry. About 5-8 mm long, the pods split open along one side when completely ripe and dry.

How long is the germination period for rosemary seeds?

Due to their hard seed coat, rosemary seeds can take 1-4 weeks to germinate, sometimes even longer. Providing moist stratification for 1-2 months prior to planting helps reduce the germination time.

Should you soak rosemary seeds before planting?

Yes, soaking helps soften the hard outer coat and initiates the germination process. First soak in water overnight or up to 24 hours before direct sowing or starting indoors.

How long do rosemary seeds last?

Rosemary seeds can remain viable to plant for 1-3 years when properly harvested, thoroughly dried and stored in a cool, airtight container away from moisture and direct light.

Can you grow rosemary from a grocery store herb?

Trying to grow rosemary from seeds found inside supermarket herbs often doesn’t work well since the seeds are typically unripe and unviable. For the best results, collect seeds from your own plants or purchase high-quality seed stock from a reputable source.

Take note of the small size and fuzzy, hairy appearance of rosemary seeds. Follow the recommended planting guidelines to increase your chances of success growing rosemary from seed. With proper care you’ll be rewarded with the distinctive flavor and fragrance of homegrown rosemary.

How to Grow Rosemary from Seeds

Here is a summary of the key steps for successfully growing rosemary from seed:

• Harvest rosemary seeds when pods turn brown and start opening in summer. Dry, then remove debris and store properly.

• Stratify seeds by refrigerating for 1-2 months between moist paper towels before planting.

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, providing heat and light. Or direct sow outdoors in fall.

• Plant seeds shallowly in sterile starting mix. Maintain warm temperature and moisture while germinating.

• Allow 1-4 weeks for slow germination. Thin or transplant seedlings once several true leaves appear.

• Transplant outdoors after hardening off, spacing 18-24 inches apart in full sun and well-drained soil.

• Pinch back after flowering to encourage bushy regrowth. Cut back frost damaged stems in winter.

• Harvest leaves as needed once plants are established. Dry buds to save seeds for future years.

Enjoying the Benefits of Homegrown Rosemary

Known as the “herb of remembrance”, rosemary has a long history of culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses thanks to its piney fragrance and distinct flavor.

While it can be readily propagated from cuttings, starting rosemary from seeds, though challenging, is extremely rewarding.

Knowing what the tiny, hairy seeds look like, how to harvest and properly sow them, and providing the right conditions will set you up for success.

Give your plants the warm temperatures, bright light, and well-drained soil they need to thrive. In time, you’ll be able to harvest the aromatic foliage to add its woodsy essence to your favorite dishes.

The beautiful blue flowers also attract pollinators while providing seed for future plantings. Incorporate homegrown rosemary seeds into your herb gardening and enjoy their benefits for many years to come.