From One to Many: A Guide to Propagating Lavender from Cuttings

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 Want to turn one beautiful lavender plant into many? Propagating from cuttings is a rewarding way to do it. It’s a simple process that creates an exact clone of your favorite plant, ensuring you can enjoy its beauty and fragrance for years to come.

This guide will walk you through the key steps of propagating lavender from cuttings, with a special note on how the right pot is essential for success.

Step 1: Taking the Cuttings

The best time to take lavender cuttings is in late spring or early summer, after the first flush of flowers has faded.

  1. Select the Right Stem: Look for a healthy, non-flowering stem that is not too soft or too woody. You want a semi-hardwood cutting from the current season’s growth. The stem should feel firm but still be pliable.
  2. Make the Cut: Using clean, sharp shears or a knife, cut a stem about 4-6 inches long. Make the cut just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf grows). This is where the new roots will form.
  3. Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem. Gently scrape a thin layer of the outer bark from the bottom inch of the stem. This exposes the cambium layer, which helps new roots form.
  4. Use Rooting Hormone (Optional): Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder or gel. This is not strictly necessary but can significantly increase your success rate.

Step 2: The Pot’s Role in Propagation Success

The type and size of the pot you use for rooting are crucial. A pot that holds too much moisture is the main reason cuttings fail.

  • Choose a Small, Well-Draining Pot: For the initial rooting stage, use a small pot or a seed-starting tray. Fill it with a sterile, very well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of perlite and sand or a special cutting mix. This mix provides aeration and prevents the cutting from rotting.
  • Plant the Cutting: Poke a small hole in the soil with a pencil and gently place the cutting in the hole. Firm the soil around the cutting to ensure good contact.
  • Create a Humid Environment: To keep the cutting from drying out, you can place a clear plastic bag or a plastic dome over the pot. This creates a mini-greenhouse effect, trapping moisture around the cutting until it develops roots.
lavender

lavender

Step 3: Aftercare and Transplanting

  • Indirect Light: Place your potted cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light.
  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not wet. The plastic dome will help with this.
  • Check for Roots: After about 4-6 weeks, gently tug on the cutting. If you feel resistance, it means roots have formed. You can now slowly acclimate the cutting to its new environment by gradually removing the plastic cover.
  • Transplanting: Once your new plant is established and showing new growth, you can carefully transplant it into a larger pot with regular, well-draining potting mix.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to expanding your lavender collection and enjoying its beautiful fragrance throughout your home and garden.

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