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Can You Grow Rosemary in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Rosemary grows as a perennial here — establish it once and it will thrive for years.

Plant zones

6a–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

Perennial

About Rosemary

Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that thrives in poor well-drained soil and full sun once established.

Plant in the sunniest most well-drained spot. Excellent in containers — bring indoors in winter in cold zones. Drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering.

Full rosemary growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.

See what grows well in California →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Rosemary in California?

Rosemary grows as a perennial here — establish it once and it will thrive for years.

What zone is California?

California spans USDA Zone 9b (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).

When do you plant Rosemaries in California?

See the planting guide for Rosemary — timing depends on your exact frost date.