Wild Rosemary

Wild Rosemary is an extremely hardy native shrub found in coastal areas, hence its other moniker, the Coastal Daisy Bush. This species can be found in  Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

With attractive silvery foliage that can reach heights of up to 2 metres, it is an excellent choice for low-maintenance, water-wise group plantings like edible hedges or verge gardens. Responds well to pruning that is best done after the major flush of flowering to maintain business and vigour.

It is salt tolerant, good for erosion control, a fire retardant, resilient to strong winds and can handle sandy soils with few nutrients. Indigenous Australians use the crushed leaves as an insect repellent.

Much like regular rosemary, Wild Rosemary has a warm and grassy smell and flavour, and can be used both fresh and dried in a variety of savoury and sweet dishes. Creamy yellow, edible flowers are produced from Autumn to Winter.

Propagation is straight forward from seed with no pre-treatment being required and a full sun position will ensure strong and vigorous growth. The plants will become weak and easily damaged if grown in partial shade.

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia, seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 15-20°C

1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed-raising mix.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed-raising mix over the seed to hold the seed in place.
3. Water with a fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm, shaded, or semi-shaded position.
5. Keep warm & moist, and avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 14-42 days in the right condition.

To harvest, cut off whole rosemary stalks. You can use the sprigs fresh or chop the leaves and dry them for later use.