Lavender is a fragrant herb that is widely used for its aromatic and therapeutic benefits With its beautiful flowers and pleasant scent, lavender makes a great addition to any garden. While lavender can be grown from seeds, the easiest and most effective way to propagate lavender is from cuttings In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the steps for growing lavender from cuttings.
Why Grow Lavender from Cuttings
There are a few key reasons why gardeners prefer propagating lavender from cuttings rather than seeds
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Higher success rate – Cuttings taken from mature lavender plants have a much better chance of successfully rooting and growing compared to planting seeds Seeds can be tricky to start and have lower germination rates.
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Quicker results – Rooting lavender cuttings takes 2-6 weeks while growing from seeds can take up to 2 years for lavender to bloom. You’ll have harvestable lavender much sooner from cuttings.
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Genetic identical plants – Cuttings produce genetically identical clones of the parent plant. This allows you to propagate specific lavender varieties you love.
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More reliable blooming – Lavender grown from cuttings will bloom in the first year. Plants grown from seeds may take a year or two before flowering.
Overall, propagating from cuttings is the simplest way to get more lavender plants quickly and reliably. Now let’s go over the steps.
When to Take Lavender Cuttings
The best time to take lavender cuttings for propagation is in spring or summer when plants are actively growing. Here are some tips on timing:
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For softwood cuttings, take cuttings in spring once new growth starts. Take cuttings from stems that are soft, green, and pliable.
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For hardwood cuttings, take cuttings in late summer to early fall after flowering ends. Select mature stems that are woody and brown.
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Avoid taking cuttings when plants are budding or flowering as this drains energy away from rooting.
You can propagate lavender year-round in warm climates like Hawaii. Gardeners in colder zones should focus on spring to fall cutting propagation.
How to Prepare Lavender Cuttings
Before you start snipping stems, gather these supplies to prep your lavender cuttings:
- Clean, sharp shears or garden scissors
- Small pots or trays
- Fast-draining potting mix
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Clear plastic cover (optional)
Sanitize your cutting tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent transmitting diseases. Having sharp shears ensures clean cuts that heal quickly. Avoid tearing stems which can slow rooting.
Choosing the Best Lavender Stems
Examine your lavender plant to select the best stems for cuttings. Look for:
- Stems from vigorous, healthy plants
- Stems with no flowers or buds forming
- Stems that are undamaged with no discoloration
For softwood cuttings, choose stems with green pliable new growth. For hardwood, select mature brown woody stems with healthy foliage.
How to Take Lavender Cuttings
Here are the steps for taking 4-6 inch lavender stem cuttings:
- Use sharp shears to cut a stem at a 45 degree angle just below a node
- Strip off bottom leaves, leaving top leaves intact
- Optional: Dip end of stem in rooting hormone
- Place cutting in moist potting mix 2-3 inches deep
- Gently firm soil around stem
- Repeat process to take more cuttings
Taking cuttings early in the day when stems are fully hydrated leads to better results.
Aim to take 3-6 cuttings to improve your chances of propagation success. Handle cuttings gently to avoid damaging stems.
Rooting Lavender Cuttings
After taking your lavender cuttings, provide warm and humid conditions to encourage root formation:
- Place pots or trays with cuttings in bright, indirect light
- Keep soil evenly moist but not soaked
- Maintain temperatures around 70-80°F
- Consider covering with plastic to increase humidity
Rooting hormones speed up the process but are not mandatory. Change out water often to prevent stem rot.
Transplanting Rooted Lavender Cuttings
Check cuttings after 2-6 weeks by giving a gentle tug. If you meet resistance, new roots have formed!
Once the cuttings are well-rooted, transplant them into the garden or larger pots. Acclimate the new plants for a few days before exposing them to sun and wind.
Transplant in spring or fall and water well after re-planting. Enjoy your new lavender plants!
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Here are some common issues and solutions when rooting lavender cuttings:
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Cuttings rotting – Allow soil to dry between waterings. Dip cuttings in cinnamon to prevent rot.
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Slow root formation – Increase humidity and warmth. Use a rooting hormone on cuttings.
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Drooping stems – Water more frequently and move cuttings to brighter location.
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Few roots form – Take cuttings just below nodes. Wound stem tips before dipping in hormone.
With the proper care, most lavender cuttings will successfully propagate into brand new plants for free!
How to Care for Newly Rooted Lavender
Young lavender plants need a bit of extra care before they are ready for your garden:
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Harden off plants before transplanting by gradually exposing them to more sun and wind over 7-10 days
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Transplant into well-draining soil enriched with compost
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Water 1-2 times per week until established, then water deeply only when soil dries out
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Protect from harsh weather until plants mature
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Prune lightly in spring to shape plants as they grow
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Be patient – it may take 1-2 years for good flower production as plants gain strength
Ideal Growing Conditions for Lavender
Here is a quick overview of the ideal growing conditions lavender needs to thrive:
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Sun: At least 6 hours of full sun per day
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Soil: Fast-draining, slightly alkaline soil
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pH: Soil pH 6.7-7.3
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Water: Drought tolerant once established, avoid overwatering
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Hardiness: Varies by variety, generally zones 5-9
Lavender also grows well in containers and raised beds which provide better drainage. Add gravel or sand to poor draining garden beds.
Tips for Success Propagating Lavender
Follow these tips to get the best results rooting your lavender cuttings:
- Take cuttings first thing in the morning when stems are hydrated
- Keep leaves on the top half of cuttings to produce food
- Use cloches or plastic domes to increase humidity around cuttings
- Mist leaves daily but avoid wetting the stems
- Ensure cuttings receive bright, direct light but avoid hot mid-day sun
- Transplant on a calm, cloudy day to avoid plant stress
- Transplant into pre-moistened soil and water thoroughly after planting
Common Lavender Varieties to Propagate
Some of the most popular lavenders to grow from cuttings include:
- English Lavender – cold hardy, sweet scent, purple flowers
- Spanish Lavender – heat tolerant, bold scent, lavender-blue flowers
- French Lavender – prolific bloomer, camphorous scent, silver-gray foliage
- Hybrid Lavenders – very winter hardy, excellent scent and flowers
Enjoy growing different lavender varieties from cuttings! You’ll have beautiful, fragrant plants ready for harvest and enjoyment in no time.
How To Propagate Lavender Cuttings In Just 2 Minutes
FAQ
Can you root lavender cuttings in water?
Lavender can be propagated using water. However, because lavender is susceptible to root rot, it can be tricky and we have found that soil propagation is the best method for our needs.
What month do you take lavender cuttings?
As mentioned, the best time to take your cuttings or cuttings is between June and September.
Can you plant lavender cuttings straight into the ground?
While you can propagate lavender in water, you’ll have a higher success rate if you propagate lavender cuttings directly in the soil. It isn’t necessary when you propagate lavender, but using rooting hormone during the process will encourage strong root development.
Can you grow lavender from cuttings?
‘Many plants, including lavender, can be grown from cuttings taken either in spring or autumn,’ says garden expert Leigh Clapp. ‘Like a little bit of magic, with a few careful cuts you can create a new plant. It takes practice, preparation and patience, but rewards with the results.’
When should I take lavender cuttings for propagation?
The best time to take lavender cuttings for propagation is between June and September, when the plant is most active and growing healthily. You can start lavender from hardwood or softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from the soft, flexible tips of new growth on the plant, and will grow new roots in two to four weeks.
When is the best time to plant a lavender plant?
For drought tolerance, it is generally better to plant in the autumn to give maximum time to develop a good root system. However, aromatic Mediterranean plants such as lavender and rosemary are the exception and should be planted in the spring, when the ground is warmer.