Herb
Can you grow Rosemary on a balcony?
Salvia rosmarinus
Yes — great in containers
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) grows well on a balcony in a pot of at least 20 litres (about 30 cm deep). It needs full sun — around 6+ hours of direct sun a day. Harvest sprigs year-round once established; pick young tips for best flavour. All figures below are sourced from RHS and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Sun
☀️ Full sun (6+ h)
Min. pot
20 L · 30 cm
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Hardiness
USDA 7-10
Container fit
Excellent
Sow
Best from young plants or cuttings (slow, unreliable from seed); plant out in spring after frost when soil warms to ~21C
Harvest
Harvest sprigs year-round once established; pick young tips for best flavour
Good companions: Sage, thyme, tarragon, cabbage, beans, carrots
Balcony tip: Use a free-draining container mix and never let the pot sit waterlogged; in cold-wet winters move it to a rain-sheltered spot in the lee of a wall.
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More herbs for balconies
Häufige Fragen
What size pot does Rosemary need?
Rosemary needs a container of at least 20 litres, roughly 30 cm deep. Bigger pots dry out more slowly and give better yields on a balcony.
How much sun does Rosemary need on a balcony?
Rosemary wants full sun — about 6+ hours of direct sun daily. Match it to your balcony's aspect before buying seed.
When do you sow Rosemary?
Best from young plants or cuttings (slow, unreliable from seed); plant out in spring after frost when soil warms to ~21C. Timing shifts with your climate/USDA zone — the linked sources give the detail.
Sources & date
- RHS: Rosemary
- Old Farmer's Almanac: Rosemary
- Data as of: 2026-07-10
- Container sizes and timings are guidance — adjust to your climate/USDA zone and balcony aspect.