Who doesn’t love a garden brimming with beautiful lavender, especially when it’s free? That’s where propagation comes in. Most people think propagation is all about planting seeds, but with lavender, it’s a bit different.
For instance, Lavandula x intermedia doesn’t produce seeds at all! Even the varieties that do, like angustifolias, often don’t pass on the best traits of the parent plant. That’s why the experts prefer propagation for growing lavender. And guess what?
Propagating lavender from cuttings is easier than you might think. It’s quick, reliable, and ensures you get an exact clone of your favorite plant.
You can start lavender from hardwood cuttings in the autumn for spring planting, or from softwood cuttings in the spring for autumn planting.
To help you get started, I’ll walk you through the steps of propagating lavender, making it as straightforward and fun as possible. Let’s dive in!
The best time to take lavender cuttings?
If you’re planning to grow lavender from cuttings, there are two ideal times of the year to do it.
Late Summer (June to September): This is generally the best time for taking cuttings, right after the lavender finishes flowering. In late summer, August or September, you can take semi-hardwood cuttings. These come from the season’s growth that has started to harden at the base but is still green and flexible at the tips. These cuttings are sturdier and less likely to dry out compared to spring cuttings. They develop strong roots thanks to the leftover summer warmth, which preps them for winter dormancy. You’ll still need to keep the soil moist and provide indirect light, but overall, they’re easier to manage. Plus, they’ll be ready to plant once spring rolls around again.
Spring (May to June): If you’re thinking about taking softwood cuttings, spring is your go-to time, around May or June when the growth is fresh and young. These are called herbaceous cuttings, and they involve snipping off the fresh, green, bendy parts of the plant. They root pretty quickly and start growing within a few weeks, which is great because they get a head start before it gets cold. However, they are quite delicate and can dry out easily. You’ll need to mist them regularly to keep them moist, but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause them to rot.
Step-by-step instructions for propagating lavender by cuttings in spring
To make your lavender cuttings in spring, you must follow these steps:
Prepare the Pot
Start by filling a pot with a mix of potting soil and river sand in equal parts, or use a good seedling soil. Make sure to generously moisten the substrate to create a welcoming environment for the cuttings.
Select and Trim the Cuttings
From your “mother plant,” take the ends of young, green branches that are 8-10 cm long. Preferably, choose branches that have never flowered, as they are more likely to produce roots.
Make a cut just below a node, which is the point where the leaves intersect.
Dress the Cuttings
Remove all the leaves from the lower half of the cutting using your nails, being careful not to damage the bark. Ensure there are no leaves on the buried part of the cutting to prevent rot. Trim the remaining leaves in half to reduce water loss through evapotranspiration.
Plant the Cuttings
Use a pencil to make holes in the potting soil before inserting your cuttings. Position the cuttings on the periphery of the pot for better drainage and results. Firmly press the soil around the cuttings with your fingers to secure them in place.
Watering and Placement
Water gently to avoid displacing the cuttings. Place the pot in a shaded corner under a frame, in a greenhouse, or indoor. If you don’t have these options, the base of a hedge can also work. Cover the cuttings with a transparent bag or a cut-up plastic bottle to maintain humidity and prevent them from drying out. Occasionally ventilate to allow air circulation and avoid mold.
Ongoing Care
Water the cuttings as needed to keep the substrate moist, but allow the soil to dry between waterings. Once the cuttings show signs of new growth, keep the soil slightly moist without over-saturating it.
How to take lavender cuttings in late summer
If you want to propagate lavender, late summer is an excellent time to do so. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Prepare Your Pot
Get a seedling tray or terracotta pot and fill it with a mix of potting soil and river sand or good seedling soil. This creates the perfect environment for your cuttings. Moisten the soil mix to make it easier to work with and to give your cuttings a good start.
Select and Prepare the Cuttings
- Choose semi-hardwood terminal shoots, which are 15-20cm long and becoming woody. Avoid stems that have flowered if possible.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of each cutting and cut the remaining leaves in half to reduce water loss.
Planting the Cuttings
Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder to promote root growth. Tap off any excess powder. Make holes in the soil with a pencil and insert each cutting as deeply as possible into the potting mix. This will help the cuttings stay upright and encourage strong root development. If planting directly in the ground, ensure the soil is light, sandy, and well-drained.
Watering and Covering
Water the cuttings thoroughly after planting. Cover the pot with a bell jar or a clear plastic bottle to maintain humidity. Keep the cuttings in a sheltered spot, ventilate occasionally, and water when the soil begins to dry out.
Monitoring and Care
Keep a close eye on the soil to ensure it stays consistently moist. Humidity is crucial here. Once you see new growth, ease off the watering and let them be over the winter. If it gets chilly where you are, protect them by placing them in a frame or a veranda.
Winter Protection:
Once rooted, stop watering and let the cuttings be over the winter. Protect them from harsh weather by keeping them in a frame or veranda.
Spring Planting
By spring, your cuttings should be ready to plant in the garden. Give the ends a little trim to encourage bushier growth and a more compact plant.
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