Rosemary

The hardy Mediterranean grass that perfumes your Quebec garden!

Rosemary is a perennial aromatic herb with an intense fragrance and many uses. Grown at Semis de la Seigneurie, this rosemary produces evergreen, needle-like leaves that release a powerful aroma of pine and lemon. Although native to the Mediterranean, it adapts remarkably well to the Quebec climate with a few winter precautions.

Why choose rosemary from Semis de la Seigneurie?

✅ Seeds produced in Quebec – Selected for our climate, without pesticides

✅ Hardy perennial – Can survive for several years with winter protection

✅ Powerful aroma – Perfect for meats, roasted vegetables and infusions

✅ Evergreen foliage – Harvest possible all year round if brought indoors for the winter

✅ Ideal for growing in pots – Easy to bring indoors for the winter

Culture in Quebec (zone 4b and above)

Rosemary is best grown in pots in Quebec, allowing you to bring it indoors for the winter. Start your seedlings indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost (February-March for Gatineau/Outaouais). Germination is slow (2-3 weeks). Transplant after the frosts to a warm, sunny location. Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established.

Producer's advice

💚 Growing in pots is highly recommended to facilitate overwintering

🌿 Well-drained soil is essential – rosemary hates standing water

☀️ Maximum sunshine – minimum 6-8 hours/day

❄️ Bring indoors before the first frost (October) or protect with a thick layer of mulch

Culinary uses

Rosemary is the perfect complement to roasted meats, baked potatoes, artisanal breads, and grilled vegetables. Infuse it in olive oil, add it to marinades, or prepare digestive herbal teas. Its powerful aroma transforms simple dishes into Mediterranean delights!

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🌱 CULTURE

Indoor sowing:

• Start 10-12 weeks before the last frost (February-March)
• Germination temperature: 20-25°C
• Germination: 14-21 days (slow and irregular)
• Depth: 0.5 cm, barely covered
• Patience required – temperamental germination

Transplantation:

• After all risk of frost (late May-early June)
• Spacing: 45-60 cm between plants
• Light, sandy, very well-drained soil, pH 6.0-7.5
• Exposure: full sun (minimum 6-8 hours/day)
• Excellent in a 25-30 cm pot

Interview :

• Water moderately (allow to dry out between waterings)
• Avoid overwatering – rosemary prefers dry conditions
• Light fertilization (1-2 times per season)
• Prune regularly to encourage branching
• Go indoors before the autumn frosts

Harvest :

• First harvest: 90-120 days after sowing
• Harvest the stems as needed throughout the year.
• Harvesting is possible even in winter if the plant is indoors.
• Cut the stems to 10-15 cm

Adaptation to the Quebec climate:

⚠️ Perennial in zone 7+ (not in Quebec without protection)

✅ Grown as an annual OR brought indoors for the winter

✅ Excellent in pots for easier overwintering

✅ Variety tested locally by Les Semis de la Seigneurie

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🌟 MAIN FEATURES

• Common name: Rosemary, Common rosemary
• Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis
• Type: Perennial aromatic herb (cultivated as an annual in Quebec)
• Plant height: 60-120 cm
• Width: 45-60 cm
• Days to maturity: 90-120 days
• Foliage: Evergreen, needle-like
• Color: Dark Green
• Flavor: Intense, resinous, slightly lemony
• Uses: Fresh, dried, as an infusion
• Hardiness zone: Zone 7+ (grown as an annual in Quebec)
• Seed origin: Produced in Quebec by Les Semis de la Seigneurie
• Free from chemical pesticides

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💡 SUGGESTIONS FOR USE

In the kitchen:

• 🍖 Roasted meats – Lamb, chicken, pork
• 🥔 Potatoes – Oven roasted with rosemary
• 🍞 Focaccia bread – Fresh rosemary in the dough
• 🫒 Flavored oil – Infuse branches in olive oil
• 🍖 Marinades – For grilling and BBQ
• 🫖 Digestive herbal tea – Infusion of fresh rosemary

Conservation :

• Fresh: in the refrigerator in a damp cloth (1-2 weeks)
• Dried: hang upside down, store in an airtight container
• Frozen: whole branches in airtight bags
• In oil: branches in olive oil in the refrigerator