When to plant rosemary in The Dalles, OR

Plant young rosemary plants in The Dalles Apr 1 – May 20.

Moderate Plant young plants

Why these dates

The Dalles's typical last spring frost is April 11. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

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 1 – May 20, 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 The Dalles, OR?

Typically April 11. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 28. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for The Dalles Municipal Airport (Dallesport, WA).

Is it too late to plant rosemary in The Dalles?

The spring planting window runs through May 20. 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.