When to plant rosemary in Memphis, Tennessee
March 19 – April 2
Transplant outdoors · typical Memphis yearClimate basis: NOAA station W Memphis, AR (USC00037712), 7 mi (12 km) from downtown Memphis (ZCTA 38103 centroid), elevation 215 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant rosemary outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 19). One year in ten still freezes after April 7.
The Memphis year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 7
Every method, with its sources
Transplant outdoors
Mar 19 – Apr 2Oklahoma State Table 1: plant rosemary after the last spring frost (propagated by seed or cuttings; most gardeners set out purchased plants). Point rule given a 14-day span. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 19). Oklahoma State University Extension
Start seeds indoors
Not calculatedSeed-started rosemary is slow and erratic; the cited guide gives no indoor lead time, so no window is calculated.
Direct-sow outdoors
Not calculatedThe cited extension guides do not time direct sowing for this crop.
Fall planting
Not calculatedNo source-backed fall planting rule exists for this crop in the registry, so no fall window is calculated.
Variety assumption: A slow-growing perennial; harvest lightly the first season. Not reliably winter-hardy in cold zones.
These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.
Crop rule sources (1)
- Oklahoma State University Extension: Culinary Herbs for Oklahoma Gardens: Culture, Use and Preservation (accessed 2026-07-24)Table 1 planting times relative to last spring frost for common herbs.