Rosemary is a popular perennial herb that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It can be useful both as a herb and a spice due to its decorative and aromatic nature.

Kenya rosemary (rosmarinus officialis) is an evergreen herb that does well in warm climates but withstands cool conditions impressively. It has green needle-like leaves with purplish-blue, white or pink flowers. Kenya rosemary is among the best in the world but you can also find the herb in Uganda, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Portugal, Dalmatia and Turkey.

Rosemary farmers in Kenya

Growing 3 to 5 feet in height, Kenya rosemary has strong anti-fungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic abilities. It has been a medicinal herb for ages especially in its native home of the Mediterranean. Here, Romans took advantage of the rosmarinic acid in the leaves, a soothing antioxidant, to treat headaches and pain.

Propagation of rosemary in Kenya

Rosemary is best propagated from stem cuttings versus trying to start new plants from seeds. Seeds have very low germination rates and seedlings struggle to establish, making it easier and less expensive to take softwood stem cuttings from existing samples and propagate new plants.

Take five to inch-inch stem cuttings just below a node from fresh, healthy stems. These are green and flexible on the plant.

Avoid the older stems that are brown and woody. Cut more than you ultimately want for new plants, in case some perish instead of rooting.

Using your fingers, strip all of the needles from the bottom two inches of the stem. These junctions where the needles attached to the stem (known as nodes) are the spots where new roots will form.

Place the cut end of the stem in a glass or jar of water in a warm location away from direct sunlight. Allow the cutting to grow until new roots form and reach a couple of inches long. This could take upwards of eight weeks, so be patient. The cuttings that do not survive will be brown and shed needles.

Once the new roots have reached the desired length you can put them into containers. Following the same method as transplanting new plants, or repotting plants, fill your container(s) with pre-moistened soil and compost, and carefully plant newly rooted cuttings.

READ ALSO:   17 Serious reasons why your Agribusiness might be doomed to failure.

Set up in the right environment

Rosemary likes lots of sunlight, if they are not planted outdoors, then they should be next to a window or a door where it will get at least six hours of sun each day.

โ€œIf you are growing the plant indoors, you can use artificial to help the plant grow better,โ€ said Kimani.

Pruning rosemary in Kenya

To keep the plants at a good size and height, pruning should be done periodically.

Watering rosemary in Kenya

Rosemary does not like a lot of water as it cannot stand wet roots. Once the top inch of soil is dry, water the plant.

Harvesting rosemary in Kenya

Harvest material frequently to keep plants healthy and strong. Give newly propagated plants some time to grow and establish good root systems before harvesting.

If possible let new growth on plants reach at least six inches in height before removing any material. And then take no more than a third of the plant at any time.

Rosemary farm in
Rosemary farm

Benefits of Rosemary Farming in Kenya

  1. High demand for rosemary: Rosemary is a popular herb in Kenya, with a high demand in both the local and export markets. It is used in a variety of dishes, including roast meats, stews, and sauces. The demand for rosemary is expected to continue to grow in the future, making it a lucrative crop for Kenyan farmers.
  2. Drought-resistant: Rosemary is a drought-resistant plant, which makes it well-suited for Kenyan conditions. It can withstand long periods of dryness and still produce high yields.
  3. Long shelf life: Rosemary has a long shelf life, which means it can be stored for a long time before it spoils. This is an advantage for farmers as they can sell their rosemary at a later date if needed.
  4. Medicinal properties: Rosemary has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-carcinogenic properties. These medicinal properties make rosemary a valuable crop for farmers in Kenya.
READ ALSO:   Farmers in Nakuru are now earning up to Ksh 200, 000 a month in exports, thanks to basil, a perennial multipurpose herb

Challenges of Rosemary Farming in Kenya

  1. Pest and disease management: Pest and disease management is a major challenge for rosemary farmers in Kenya. The most common pests that attack rosemary plants include aphids, mites, and thrips. Diseases that affect rosemary include root rot, stem rot, and mildew. To combat these pests and diseases, farmers need to adopt good agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, proper irrigation, and the use of organic pesticides.
  2. Lack of market information: Many Kenyan farmers lack access to market information, which makes it difficult for them to make informed decisions about what to grow and how to sell their crops. This lack of information can lead to low prices and a lack of profitability for farmers.
  3. Limited access to finance: Many small-scale farmers in Kenya face difficulties in accessing finance to invest in their farms. This lack of access to finance can be a barrier to entry for farmers wanting to start a rosemary farm.

Summary On How to Start a Rosemary Farm in Kenya

  1. Select a suitable location: Rosemary grows best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. It prefers a sunny location and can tolerate temperatures as low as 5ยฐC. When selecting a location for your rosemary farm, consider the availability of water and the proximity to markets.
  2. Obtain seedlings: Rosemary can be propagated from seeds or from cuttings. To obtain seedlings, you can purchase them from a reputable supplier or propagate them yourself. When propagating from seeds, it is important to use fresh seeds and to keep them moist until they germinate.
  3. Plant and care for your rosemary: When planting your rosemary, be sure to space the plants at least 50cm apart to allow for proper growth. Water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize your plants with a well-balanced fertiliser, such as a 10-10-10 or a 20-20-20.
  4. Harvest and sell your rosemary
READ ALSO:   From 500 Chic's To A Poultry Empire In Kendu Bay: Success Story Of Victor Odhiambo Ouma

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media!