How to Take Lavender Cuttings: Step-by-Step Guide
Lavender is a beautiful plant, but it can become slightly sad and tired-looking, and when it gets to this point, what can you do? You might throw it out and head out to purchase some new plants, but where is the fun of that? Sure, buying new plants is an exciting prospect, and it is undoubtedly the easiest option. However, the real fun at Lavender Farm is taking your existing lavender plant and using it to grow another. You don’t need to be experienced in development because anyone can give this a try, and what’s more, once you see your new plant growing, you’ll get great satisfaction!
What Will You Need?
To successfully grow lavender, you will need several things, but these are not expensive, and there is every chance you might have them around the home anyway. So, you will need:
- Lavender Plant
- Sharp Knife
- 10 cm Pot
- Multi-Purpose Compost
- Rooting Hormone
- Clear Plastic Bags
Tips for Taking Lavender Cuttings
If you want to expand your lavender garden without spending a fortune on new plants, taking lavender cuttings can be an efficient and cost-effective method. As a professional in the field, I am here to provide valuable tips for successfully propagating lavender through cuttings.
Firstly, choosing the right time to take the cuttings is important. The peak to do this is in the spring or early summer when the lavender plant is actively growing. Look for stems that are soft and flexible, avoiding those that are woody or too young. These healthier stems will have a better chance of rooting successfully.
Next, prepare the cuttings properly to promote a higher chance of success. Take cuttings around 4–6 inches long and remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. This will encourage the plant to focus its energy on root development rather than sustaining unnecessary foliage. Use a sharp and clean pair of pruning shears to avoid any damage or disease transfer.
To enhance the chances of successful rooting, dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder or gel. This will encourage the growth of new roots. Prepare a well-draining potting mix, combining coarse sand or perlite with peat or vermiculite. Plant the prepared cuttings in the mix, ensuring they are at least 2 inches deep to provide stability and support.
After planting, keep the cuttings in a warm and brightly lit location, avoiding direct sunlight. Mist the cuttings regularly to maintain the proper moisture level, but be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to rotting. Within a few weeks, you should begin to see new root development. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the new lavender plants into larger pots or your garden.
Taking lavender cuttings is an affordable and effective method to expand your garden. Following these professional tips, you can enjoy a flourishing lavender garden without spending a fortune on new plants.
Step-by-Step Guide
Are you interested in propagating lavender plants through cuttings? As a professional, let me guide you through a step-by-step process to take lavender cuttings successfully.
Step 1:
To begin with, consider when you take your cutting and where you take it. The best time to take a cutting is between June and September, as this is when the plant will be thriving.
Step 2:
With the correct time of year identified, it is time to select your cutting. You have to ensure that your lavender cuttings are right, so you should select your cutting from a non-flowered side shoot of this year’s growth. You should then carefully remove these from the main stem by pulling them away, ensuring you bring a thin strip of bark with it or hell.
Step 3:
You must bring the heel with your cutting, as this is where the roots will develop from. If you do not have a heel, trim the bottom of your cuttings using a sharp knife just below the leaf joint.
Step 4:
At this point, remove the power pair of leaves, as this will enable you to create a length of cutting with a bare stem, which can then be inserted into the compost cleanly and easily.
Step 5:
Now, you must take the cutting hormone and insert the end of your cutting or cuttings into it. Once this has been done, you can insert a number of cuttings around the edge of a small pot filled with gritty compost.
Step 6:
Your cuttings and compost will need to be watered as this will help the propagation and growth process. Once this has been done, you can cover the pot using a clear plastic bag, which will help create a humid atmosphere.
Step 7:
You must care for your cuttings correctly, as this will help to increase the chances of them growing successfully, and it is essential when you propagate lavender. So, place the pot in a warm, shaded area, and once your cuttings have started to root, which can take 4 to 6 weeks, you can cut the corner of the bag as this will help to improve ventilation, creating the best growing environment. After a few weeks, you can remove the bag completely and leave the cuttings in place until they are ready to be individually potted on.
Best Time to Take Lavender Cuttings
As mentioned, the best time to take your cuttings or cuttings is between June and September. However, if you are taking softwood cuttings, you should know that this can only be done in the spring when the growth is fresh and young. It is possible to take hardwood cuttings at any time, although you should aim to take your lavender cutting before the plant develops buds or after the flowers have bloomed and died. One thing to remember is that the warmer the month, the stronger your cutting will be, but in general, it is recommended that you take lavender cuttings in Spring and Summer.
When Will It Start to Root?
It can take 4 to 6 weeks for your lavender to root, and the bags can be removed at this point. If the cuttings look like they have a solid core, then you can move them on, and once they have grown further, you can begin to consider moving them into your garden. Shop our range of Lavender products today!
