Growing Rosemary in Laikipia

Soil suitability analysis based on Laikipia's nutrient profile

Laikipia County is a solid choice for Rosemary, with a soil-match score of 61/100. At an average pH of 4.99 the soil is strongly acidic, below Rosemary's preferred 6–8 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.42 g/kg), phosphorus (16.6 mg/kg) and potassium (215 mg/kg) all meet Rosemary's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly sandy loam soils suit Rosemary, which favours sandy loam. Rosemary's full potential is about 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre at KES 150/kg), but at Laikipia's 61/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 1,906 kg/acre (~KES 285,900/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

61Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorLaikipia soilRosemary needsStatus
pH4.9968Adjust
Nitrogen1.42 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus16.6 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium215 mg/kgmin 150 mg/kgOK
Rainfall600 mm400–900 mmOK
Altitude1,700 m800–2,400 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Cutting Establishment
Month 2
Weeding & Light Feeding
Month 3
Harvest & Pruning

Short Rains

Month 1
Cutting Establishment
Month 2
Weeding
Month 3
Harvest & Pruning

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Twice per season
Instruction
Light feeder — over-feeding reduces oil content and hardiness.
Bags per Acre
0.2

Economics

Market priceKES 150/kg
Expected yield in Laikipia1,906 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 285,900/acre
Adjusted for Laikipia's 61/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Rosemary can reach 2,500 kg/acre (~KES 375,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureSandy Loam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag