Sustainable Rosemary Production: A Practical Grower’s Manual

Why Rosemary is Special

Rosemary, known by many as “the memory herb” because of its strong aroma and medicinal properties, has long been used in kitchens, medicine, and beauty products. In Kenya, the plant is still underutilized compared to crops like tea or maize, but those who have tried it know it’s a gem.

Rosemary grows well in many parts of the country, demands little maintenance once established, and fetches attractive prices in both local and export markets.

Hotels, restaurants, herbal shops, and pharmaceutical companies are driving demand for rosemary leaves. Farmers in Kiambu, Limuru, Kajiado, and parts of Rift Valley are already supplying fresh and dried rosemary to Nairobi’s markets and beyond.

• Versatility: Used as a spice in meat, soups, stews, and marinades.
• Medicinal uses: Herbal teas, essential oils, and natural remedies for memory, digestion, and stress relief.
• Industrial value: Cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries buy rosemary for oil extraction.
• Hardiness: Drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and thrives in poor soils where other crops struggle.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Rosemary thrives in warm to cool climates at altitudes of 1,200–2,000 meters above sea level.

• Best Counties: Central Kenya, Rift Valley highlands, and parts of Eastern Kenya (e.g., Machakos, Kajiado, Makueni).
• Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Tolerates dry conditions once established.

Land Preparation and Planting

Rosemary can be propagated from cuttings or seedlings. Seeds exist, but they take long to germinate and are less reliable. Most farmers go for cuttings from mature, disease-free plants.

• Prepare land by ploughing and harrowing to get a fine tilth.
• Dig planting holes about 30 cm wide and 30 cm deep.
• Mix topsoil with well-rotted manure before planting.
• Space plants 50–60 cm apart in rows 1 meter apart.
• Seedlings/cuttings cost KSh 100 each from Organicfarm (+254 712 075 915 | oxfarmorganic@gmail.com).

With about 8,000–10,000 plants per acre, initial investment is manageable for smallholder farmers.

Caring for Rosemary

• Watering: Young plants need watering until they establish. After 3–4 months, rosemary becomes drought-hardy, requiring minimal irrigation. In dry regions, occasional watering boosts leaf quality.
• Fertilization: Rosemary is not a heavy feeder. Annual application of organic manure or compost is often enough. Too much nitrogen encourages excessive growth but weak aroma.
• Weeding and Mulching: Keep fields weed-free during the first months. Later, rosemary bushes form a canopy that suppresses weeds. Mulching conserves moisture and improves soil health.
• Pests and Diseases: Rosemary is naturally pest-resistant due to its strong aroma. However, aphids, spider mites, and root rot may appear if management is poor. Good drainage and regular pruning keep plants healthy.

Expect to spend about KSh 20,000–30,000 per acre annually on maintenance.

Harvesting and Yield

Rosemary can be harvested 3–4 months after planting and continues producing for 5–10 years with proper care.

• Harvest by snipping young shoots or leaves, preferably in the morning when oils are most concentrated.
• An acre can yield 1.5–2 tons of fresh leaves per year. When dried, weight reduces but value increases, as dried rosemary fetches higher prices in herbal and export markets.

Market Opportunities

• Local Market:
  • Hotels and restaurants: Demand fresh rosemary for seasoning meat and soups.
  • Herbal shops and cosmetic companies: Buy dried rosemary or essential oil.
  • Supermarkets and groceries: Stock both fresh and dried rosemary in small packets.
• Export Market: Kenya exports rosemary to the Middle East, Europe, and South Africa. Exporters pay well for consistent quality and bulk supply.
• Prices: Fresh rosemary goes for KSh 100–200 per kilogram, while dried leaves fetch KSh 400–600 per kilogram. Farmers who process into essential oil can earn even more, though oil extraction requires specialized equipment.

Challenges in Rosemary Farming

• Limited awareness: Many farmers still view rosemary as just a backyard herb.
• Market access: Individual small-scale farmers may struggle to access exporters. Group marketing is more effective.
• Overharvesting: Cutting too aggressively weakens plants. Proper harvesting methods are crucial.

Tips for Kenyan Farmers

• Start with a quarter acre as a trial before expanding.
• Intercrop rosemary with crops like beans or vegetables in the first year.
• Dry rosemary leaves in a shaded, well-ventilated room, not under direct sun, to maintain aroma.
• Form cooperatives to negotiate better prices and access the export chain.

Rosemary is not just a herb for fancy hotels, it’s a resilient, high-value crop that fits well into Kenya’s farming systems. With its low maintenance, drought resistance, and multiple uses in food, medicine, and cosmetics, rosemary offers farmers an opportunity to diversify income while using minimal inputs.

For the Kenyan farmer looking for a hardy crop with steady market demand, rosemary is a smart bet. Once you plant it, it keeps giving for years. With the right approach, even a small piece of land can turn into a profitable rosemary enterprise.