Why Your Rosemary Is Dying
Rosemary dies from overwatering, poor drainage, or cold. It’s a Mediterranean herb that wants dry, sandy soil.
The 3 Causes
Cause 1: Overwatering
Signs: Yellow leaves, mushy stems, root rot. Fix: Stop watering. Let soil dry completely.
Cause 2: Poor Drainage
Signs: Water pools on top. Soil stays wet. Fix: Add perlite. Use terracotta pot.
Cause 3: Cold
Signs: Leaves blacken after frost. Fix: Move inside before first frost.
How to Confirm
- Yellow leaves + wet soil → overwatering
- Mushy stem → root rot
- Blackened leaves → cold
What to Do
- Stop watering. Let soil dry.
- Check roots. If mushy, repot.
- Move inside if cold.
- Improve drainage.
- Water only when top 2 inches dry.
Prevention
- Water sparingly
- Sandy soil
- Drainage holes
- Terracotta pot
Common Questions
Why is my rosemary dying? Overwatering. #1 killer.
How often should I water? When top 2 inches dry. Not on a schedule.
Can rosemary recover? Sometimes, if caught early.
Is it cold-hardy? Depends on variety. Arp is hardiest.
Can I grow it indoors? Yes, with 6+ hours of light.
What about humidity? Low humidity is better.