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When to Plant Rosemary in Pickens 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.

Pickens County, South Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.

At an elevation of 497 feet, Pickens County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

Pickens County, SC (Zone 7b) Long season
209 days
Last Spring Frost April 5
209 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Pickens County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 21 – Nov 8
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Nov 22
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Dec 17

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Rosemary needs ~2,665 GDD — county provides 4,284 GDD Excellent fit

Rosemary Planting Timeline โ€” Pickens County, SC

Rosemary Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Nov 22

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

80โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

209 days

Growing Tips for Pickens 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Rosemary in Pickens County, SC?

Pickens County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Rosemary planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pickens County, SC?

Pickens County, South Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 31.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pickens County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Pickens County, SC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.