When to plant rosemary in Baker City, OR

Plant young rosemary plants in Baker City Apr 27 – Jun 15.

Moderate Plant young plants

Why these dates

Baker City's typical last spring frost is May 25. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 4 weeks before that.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

Difficulty: Moderate
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 24 to 36 inches apart
Planting depth: Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot
Frost: Handles light frost; wet winter soil is the bigger risk
First harvest: Pick sprigs a few weeks after planting, once new growth appears

Step by step

Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant young rosemary plants Apr 27 – Jun 15, 24 to 36 inches apart. Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot.
Water until established, then only in dry spells. In cold eastern areas, grow it in a pot and move it to a cool, bright spot for winter.
Harvest: Snip sprig tips as needed. Don't cut back into bare wood; it won't regrow.

Varieties that do well here

Arp (selected for cold hardiness)
Hill Hardy
Tuscan Blue

Watch out for

Wet winter soil kills more rosemary than cold does. Plant in fast-draining soil or a raised bed.

Needs sharp drainage. It survives many west-side winters in a well-drained, sheltered spot; in colder eastern areas, grow it in a pot and bring it in for winter.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Baker City, OR?

Typically May 25. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 16. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Baker City Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant rosemary in Baker City?

The spring planting window runs through June 15. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

How long until I can pick rosemary?

Pick sprigs a few weeks after planting, once new growth appears. Snip sprig tips as needed. Don't cut back into bare wood; it won't regrow.

Also plant in Baker City around the same time

Planting dates for rosemary in nearby areas

Bend and Redmond, OR May 12 – Jun 30
Klamath Falls, OR May 12 – Jun 30
Burns, OR May 14 – Jul 2

Full planting calendar for Baker City · Rosemary in every city