When to Plant Rosemary in Lee County, SC
Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a piney, citrus flavor. It is a Mediterranean herb that thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Lee County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.
At an elevation of 325 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Rosemary during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Rosemary, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rosemary root diseases.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Rosemary Planting Timeline — Lee County, SC
Rosemary Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Nov 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
80–180 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
229 days
Growing Tips for Lee County
Grow in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. In cold climates, grow in containers and bring indoors for winter. Propagate from stem cuttings for faster results than seed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Rosemary in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rosemary in Lee County, SC?
Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Rosemary planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, SC?
Lee County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lee County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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