Can You Grow Rosemary from Cuttings? A Detailed Guide

Rosemary is a wonderful herb to grow in your garden It has a distinctive pine-like aroma and flavor that enhances many dishes Once established, rosemary is also quite drought-tolerant and deer resistant.

If you already have a rosemary plant, one of the easiest ways to get more plants is by growing rosemary from cuttings. Taking cuttings from an existing plant and rooting them to grow new plants is called propagation.

Why Grow Rosemary from Cuttings?

There are a few reasons why you may want to propagate rosemary from cuttings rather than starting from seeds:

• Quick results – Rooting rosemary cuttings is much faster than growing from seed. You can have full plants in just a few weeks.

• Guaranteed plant – With cuttings, you know you will get an exact genetic duplicate of the parent plant. Growing rosemary from seed can result in genetic variations.

• Maturity – Cuttings allow you to multiply plants that are already mature and established You don’t have to wait for young seedlings to grow

• Convenience – Taking cuttings is easy and you can do it anytime you are pruning your rosemary plant. No special tools needed!

When to Take Rosemary Cuttings

The best time to take rosemary cuttings is in spring or early summer when the plants are actively growing. Look for tender new growth that is still soft and green. Avoid using woody old growth.

Specifically, take cuttings:

• In late spring after any chance of frost has passed
• Before plants start flowering
• When daytime temps are consistently 65-75°F

Taking cuttings during warm weather gives them the best chance to root quickly.

How to Take Rosemary Cuttings: Step-by-Step

Taking rosemary cuttings and rooting them is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

1. Select a healthy mother plant

Choose a mature rosemary plant that is vigorous, disease-free, and ready for pruning. Avoid weak or stressed plants.

2. Sterilize your tools

Dip pruning shears or garden scissors in diluted bleach to prevent disease transmission. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

3. Identify new growth

Look for tender stems that are green and pliable. They will bend rather than snap when handled. Old woody stems don’t root well.

4. Cut stem sections

Cut sections of new growth about 4-6 inches long. Cut just below a leaf node. These nodes are the bumps on the stem where leaves emerge.

5. Strip lower leaves

Keep top leaves but strip off the lower leaves from each cutting. Avoid leaving any leaves below the water or soil line.

6. Slice the end

Make a fresh cut by slicing off the very bottom tip of the stem. Cut at an angle to expose more of the stem interior.

7. Dip in rooting hormone (optional)

While not required, a rooting hormone can help speed up the rooting process. Use a powder or gel formulation.

8. Stick in soil or water

Stick cut end into a container of soil or water. Keep top leaves above the rooting medium.

9. Provide warmth and humidity

Place containers in a warm spot out of direct sun. A greenhouse or sunny windowsill works well. High humidity encourages faster root growth.

10. Wait for roots!

Check for root growth in 2-3 weeks. Transplant into pots or garden once rooted.

That’s all it takes! In just a few weeks your rosemary cuttings will have grown roots and be ready for planting.

Troubleshooting Rosemary Cuttings

Sometimes rosemary cuttings fail to root. Here are some common issues and solutions:

Cuttings wilt or turn brown – This is usually caused by dry soil or water. Ensure cuttings remain moist (but not soggy) until roots develop. Mist leaves as needed.

Leaves fall off – Natural for lower leaves to fall after planting. As long as top growth looks healthy, you’re fine. Dead lower leaves won’t regrow.

No new growth – Can indicate a lack of nutrients, light, or root development. Fertilize lightly and move to brighter location.

Roots don’t form – Rooting hormones can encourage growth. Also try warmer temps, high humidity, and fresh cuttings.

Stem rots – Prevent by sterilizing tools. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering when rooting in soil.

Lack of vigor – Weak cuttings from unhealthy mothers won’t root well. Always start with lush, green growth.

When in doubt, take several cuttings just in case a few don’t make it. Spreading your odds helps ensure success.

How to Grow Rosemary Cuttings in Water or Soil

You have two choices for the rooting medium when propagating rosemary cuttings: water or soil. Each has pros and cons.

Rooting Cuttings in Water

• Fast: Roots will develop within 2-4 weeks
• Visibility: You can monitor the progress of roots in clear water
• Transplanting required: Must be moved to pots or garden later

Follow these steps for water rooting:

1. Fill a glass or jar with room temperature water
2. Insert cuttings so just the bottom is submerged
3. Change water every few days to prevent rot
4. Watch for 1-2 inch long roots before transplanting

Be sure no leaves sit in the water or they may rot. A narrow container like a spice jar works well to hold cuttings upright.

Rooting Cuttings in Soil

• Stronger roots: Soil-rooted plants establish better
• No transplanting: Can remain in pots or garden bed
• Slower: Takes 4-8 weeks for full roots

Follow these steps for soil rooting:

1. Use a sterile, well-draining potting mix
2. Moisten soil and make holes for cuttings
3. Place cut end in soil, keeping leaves above
4. Water when top inch of soil dries out
5. Wait 4-6 weeks before disturbing

Avoid soggy soil that can lead to stem rot. Use sand or perlite if drainage is poor.

Growing Rosemary from Cuttings Outdoors

Once your rosemary cuttings have developed a good root system and new top growth, they are ready for the garden! Follow these tips for a successful transition:

• Harden off – Set pots outside in partial shade for a few days to transition inside plants. Bring in at night if frost threatens.

• Plant spacing – Give rosemary plants 2-3 feet of space in garden beds or containers. They will grow quite large.

• Soil preparation – Rosemary thrives in well-draining soil. Amend clay or dense soils with compost.

• Sun requirements – Plant in a spot with at least 6 hours of full sun for best growth.

• Watering routine – Water newly planted rosemary daily for a week. Then allow soil to partly dry out between waterings.

• Fertilizing – Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea monthly through the growing season.

• Pruning – Prune lightly in spring to shape. Avoid heavy pruning that removes green growth.

Within one growing season, your propagated rosemary will mature into a full-sized plant ready for harvesting!

Enjoy an Abundant Rosemary Harvest

Now that you know how easy it is to multiply your rosemary plants through cuttings, you can grow an ample harvest!

Here are some of the great ways to enjoy homegrown rosemary:

• Use fresh or dried as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, breads, and more
• Add to olive oil for flavored cooking oil
• Make infused vinegars, spirits, honey, salt, or sugar
• Craft DIY skincare, hair care, aromatherapy, or cleaning products
• Create fragrant sachets from dried rosemary
• Distill rosemary essential oil from the leaves

Since rosemary is a perennial herb in warm climates, your established plants will keep producing for years to come. You’ll never need to buy rosemary again!

The bottom line? Growing rosemary from cuttings is simple, productive, and helps you get the most out of your plants. With just a bit of time and care, you’ll have rosemary to share with friends and incorporate into your recipes for endless enjoyment.

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