Growing Rosemary in Kiambu
Soil suitability analysis based on Kiambu's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kiambu is moderately suited to Rosemary. Kiambu's soil (pH 5.28, strongly acidic) gives Rosemary a suitability score of 56/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
Rosemary can be grown in Kiambu County, but the soil scores 56/100 and needs targeted management to reach full potential. At an average pH of 5.28 the soil is moderately acidic, below Rosemary's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.01 g/kg), phosphorus (13.7 mg/kg) and potassium (169 mg/kg) all meet Rosemary's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. Rosemary prefers sandy loam soils, while Kiambu is largely clay, so drainage and organic-matter management matter more here. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Rosemary is the #77 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kiambu County. Rosemary's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Kiambu's 56/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,750 kg/acre (~KES 262,500/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Better matched to Kiambu's soil: Macadamia, Avocado, and Pineapple — each scores higher on the same soil.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kiambu soil | Rosemary needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.28 | 6–8 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.01 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.7 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 169 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,100 mm | 400–900 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 800–2,400 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kiambu
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· October–December
Top dressing guide
Kiambu's nitrogen (1.01 g/kg) already meets Rosemary's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag