When to Plant Rosemary in St. Francis County, AR
Your May game plan for St. Francis County, Arkansas
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: rosemary
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.
St. Francis County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.
At an elevation of 1,429 feet, St. Francis County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Rosemary during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rosemary root diseases.
St. Francis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in St. Francis County
How your county's soil matches Rosemary's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Rosemary's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in St. Francis County is excellent for Rosemary — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Rosemary.
How to Plant Rosemary
Succession Planting Rosemary
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by May 13 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rosemary
Rosemary needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rosemary Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 1.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in St. Francis County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rosemary Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Rosemary Planting Timeline — St. Francis County, AR
Rosemary Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Nov 6 |
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
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
234 days in St. Francis County
Growing Tips for Rosemary in St. Francis County
Direct sow Rosemary outdoors after March 20 in St. Francis County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rosemary in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rosemary in St. Francis County, AR?
St. Francis County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Rosemary planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Francis County, AR?
St. Francis County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 9.
Your St. Francis County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Francis County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.