Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb known for its distinctive piney aroma and flavor in cooking. Starting this woody perennial from seed is a patient endeavor, as germination is often slow and the resulting seedlings are tiny and fragile. New gardeners can easily mistake the initial sprouts for weeds. Understanding the specific appearance of the plant at its earliest stages is key to successfully cultivating this fragrant herb.
The Very First Appearance: Cotyledons
The first leaves to emerge from the soil are not true rosemary leaves, but rather the plant’s cotyledons, or seed leaves. These initial structures look nothing like the mature, needle-like foliage that defines the herb. They are typically small, smooth, and somewhat rounded or slightly oval in shape.
These two seed leaves appear opposite each other on a tiny stem and are generally a light green color. Cotyledons act as the plant’s temporary nutrient source, and their generic appearance makes them difficult to distinguish from many other common seedlings. Misidentification is most likely at this stage, as the unique characteristics of rosemary have not yet developed.
Developing True Rosemary Leaves
The key to positive identification is the appearance of the true leaves, which emerge above the cotyledons. These true leaves are the first to exhibit the classic Salvia rosmarinus form, though in miniature. They start as extremely slender, tiny structures that are distinctly needle-like, even at this early stage.
These nascent leaves are often a lighter shade of green than the mature, deep green foliage, sometimes appearing slightly gray-green, and they may feature a delicate, downy fuzz on their undersides. The transition to true leaves signals the point where the characteristic rosemary scent first becomes detectable. A gentle rub of these developing leaves will release a faint but unmistakable piney fragrance, confirming the plant’s identity.
Early Growth Characteristics and Identification Tips
Rosemary seedlings have a slow growth rate during the first few months after germination. It is not uncommon for the plant to remain diminutive, sometimes less than an inch tall, for several weeks while it focuses on establishing a root system. The seedling’s stem may initially show a subtle reddish or purplish tint, which is a common feature in the young growth of many woody plants.
To confirm you have a rosemary seedling, the most reliable test is the “smell test” applied to the newly developed true leaves. Gently pinch or rub the tiny needles and check for the signature aromatic oil scent. This slow growth habit, paired with the unique needle-like shape of the true leaves, helps differentiate the rosemary seedling from broad-leafed weeds.