Why Is My Rosemary Not Growing

If you’re wondering “why is my rosemary not growing,” you’re not alone. This common frustration can turn a promising herb into a stagnant disappointment. Rosemary is often touted as an easy, drought-tolerant plant, but it has specific needs that, when not met, bring its growth to a complete halt. Let’s look at the simple reasons behind this issue and get your plant back on track.

This heading sums up your core problem. A non-growing rosemary plant is usually a sign of one, or several, environmental or care mistakes. The plant is telling you something is wrong. By systematically checking the following points, you can diagnose the issue.

1. The Sunlight Isn’t Nearly Enough

Rosemary is a sun-loving Mediterranean native. It thrives in bright, direct light. Insufficient sunlight is the number one reason for poor growth.

The Problem: Your plant is getting less than 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. It might look leggy, with long stems and sparse leaves, as it stretches for light.
The Fix: Move potted rosemary to the sunniest spot you have—a south-facing location is ideal. For garden plants, consider transplanting to a sunnier bed in early spring or fall.

2. The Soil is Too Heavy and Wet

Rosemary despises “wet feet.” Its roots need excellent drainage and can quickly rot in dense, moisture-retentive soil.

The Problem: Clay soil or standard potting mix stays soggy. Leaves may turn brown or black, starting at the base, and the plant stops growing.
The Fix: For pots, use a cactus/succulent mix or amend regular potting soil with 30% perlite or coarse sand. In gardens, plant in raised beds or mounds amended with grit.

3. You’re Overwatering (The Most Common Mistake)

This goes hand-in-hand with poor soil. We often kill rosemary with kindness, watering it like a typical houseplant.

The Problem: The soil is constantly damp. Growth stalls, and stems become soft.
The Fix: Water only when the top inch or two of soil is completely dry. Soak the pot thoroughly, then let it drain completely. In winter, watering may be needed only every few weeks.

4. The Pot is Too Small or Lacks Drainage

Root-bound plants have no room to grow, and without drainage holes, water pools at the bottom.

The Problem: Roots are circling the pot’s interior or growing out the drainage holes. Growth above soil slows or stops.
The Fix: Repot every 1-2 years in spring into a container one size larger. Always, always use a pot with drainage holes.

5. It’s Not Getting the Right Nutrients

Rosemary isn’t a heavy feeder, but it can’t grow in completely depleted soil. Conversely, too much fertilizer burns roots.

The Problem (Deficiency): Pale leaves, very slow growth in otherwise good conditions.
The Problem (Excess): Fertilizer salt buildup, leaf tip burn, stunted growth.
The Fix: Feed sparingly. A single application of a balanced, half-strength organic fertilizer in early spring is often sufficient for the whole season.

6. The pH is Out of Range

Rosemary prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Acidic soil can lock up nutrients.

The Problem: Even with good care, the plant seems starved. Leaves may yellow between the veins.
The Fix: Test your soil’s pH. To raise pH (make it more alkaline), gently mix a little garden lime into the soil around the plant.

7. The Temperature is Too Cold (or Hot)

While hardy, rosemary growth stalls in extreme temperatures. Most varieties go dormant below 40°F (4°C).

The Problem: No new growth in winter is normal dormancy. No growth in summer might mean heat stress without enough water.
The Fix: Protect plants from hard freezes with frost cloth. In intense summer heat, ensure adequate (but not excessive) watering in the morning.

8. Pests or Disease Have Taken Hold

Weak plants are targets. The most common issues are root rot from overwatering and pests like spider mites.

Root Rot: Smelly, black/mushy roots. The plant may need to be propogated from healthy cuttings.
Spider Mites: Fine webbing, stippled yellow leaves. Rinse foliage regularly or use insecticidal soap.

Step-by-Step: How to Revive a Struggling Rosemary Plant

Assess the Light: Move it to full sun immediately if it’s not already there.
Check the Soil & Pot: Feel the soil. Is it soggy? Does the pot have holes? If the soil is wet and heavy, repotting is crucial.
Repot if Needed: Gently remove the plant. Shake off wet soil, trim any black/mushy roots, and replant in fresh, gritty mix in a pot with drainage.
Prune Gently: Trim back up to one-third of the plant to remove dead growth and encourage new shoots. Don’t cut into bare wood if you can avoid it.
Water Correctly: After repotting, water once. Then, wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
Be Patient: Place in full sun and resist over-care. New growth may take a few weeks to appear.

Pro Tips for Thriving Rosemary

Choosing the Right Variety

Some types are hardier or better for pots. ‘Arp’ is very cold-tolerant. ‘Prostratus’ is a trailing type perfect for containers.

Pruning for Bushier Growth

Regular harvesting is the best prune. Pinch tips often to cook with, which encourages the plant to branch out and become denser.

Winter Care Indoors

It’s tricky. Provide maximum light (a south window). Water very sparingly and don’t fertilize. Expect some leaf drop; the goal is survival until spring.

FAQ: Your Rosemary Questions Answered

Why is my rosemary plant not growing new shoots?
This is usually due to lack of sun, overwatering, or needing a nutrient boost. Check light first, then soil moisture.

Why is my potted rosemary not growing?
Potted rosemary often suffers from cramped roots, poor soil, or insufficient light. Repot in a larger container with gritty mix and ensure 8+ hours of sun.

How can I make my rosemary grow faster?
You can’t rush it, but you can optimize: full sun, perfect drainage, light feeding in spring, and regular tip-pinching to stimulate branching.

Why are the leaves on my rosemary turning brown?
Brown, crispy leaves often mean under-watering or root rot (from previous overwatering). Brown, mushy leaves mean frost damage or severe rot.

Is my rosemary dead or dormant?
Scratch a small spot on a main stem. If you see green underneath, it’s alive. If it’s brittle and brown all the way through, that section is dead. Start by pruning back to live wood.

Figuring out why your rosemary is not growing is a process of elimination. Start with the fundamentals: sunlight and drainage. Nine times out of ten, correcting these two factors will solve the problem. With its needs met, your rosemary will reward you with vigorous growth and that wonderful, aromatic scent for years to come.