Cuttings of Lavender: A Comprehensive Guide to Rooting

Do you want to grow lavender plants in your garden, but don't want to spend a fortune buying them from a nursery or garden center? If yes, then rooting lavender cuttings is the way to go. With just a little bit of patience and effort, you can easily propagate your own lavender plants at home. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of rooting lavender cuttings.

What are Lavender Cuttings?

Lavender cuttings are stem sections taken from mature, healthy lavender plants that will be used to start new plants. These cuttings can be grown in soil, water or other mediums, and will eventually form roots and grow into new lavender plants.

It's important to choose a healthy mother plant with good growth habits and disease-free foliage. Additionally, select lavender varieties that are known for their vigorous growth, such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French hybrid lavender (Lavandula x intermedia).

The Best Time to Take Lavender Cuttings

The best time to take lavender cuttings is during the early summer months when the plants are in full bloom. This is when the stems are soft and pliable, which makes them easier to root. Avoid taking cuttings when the plant is dormant or during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.

The Steps to Rooting Lavender Cuttings

Step 1 - Selecting Cuttings:

Choose a healthy branch of lavender that has not yet bloomed, and carefully remove a section of stem that's around 4-6 inches long. Make sure the cutting has at least two leaf nodes near the bottom. Remove any flowers, buds or leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only the top few leaves.

Step 2 - Preparing the Cuttings:

Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone, which will help stimulate root growth. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Alternatively, you can place the cutting in a jar with water, making sure that only the stem is submerged, and not the leaves. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria from forming.

Step 3 - Providing Ideal Conditions:

Place the pots or jars in a warm, bright area, but out of direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range for lavender cuttings is between 65-75°F (18-24°C). To maintain a high level of humidity, cover the pots or jars with plastic wrap or a plastic bag, making sure there is still some air circulation.

Step 4 - Caring for the Cuttings:

After about two weeks, check to see if the cutting has started to form roots. Gently tug on the stem; if it resists, then roots have formed. Once the cuttings have rooted, gradually expose them to more light and move them to a brighter location, but still out of direct sunlight. Over the next few weeks, continue to care for the cuttings by keeping the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and maintaining proper humidity levels.

Step 5 - Transplanting the Cuttings:

After about six to eight weeks, the cuttings should have developed enough roots to be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground. When doing so, be careful not to damage the fragile young roots. Once transplanted, continue to care for the new plants as you would any other lavender plants.

Rooting lavender cuttings is an easy and affordable way to propagate new plants to add to your garden or give as gifts. With proper technique, timing, and a little patience, you can successfully grow your own lavender plants at home. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to produce new plants with ease.

Lavender, Propagation, Gardening Tips, Plant Care, Rooting Techniques

A lavender cutting being dipped in rooting hormone.

A lavender cutting being planted in soil.

A lavender cutting being rooted in water.

Rooted lavender cuttings ready to be transplanted.