How to propagate lavender
One of the easiest ways to propagate lavender is by taking cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is after flowering, when you’re giving the plant a light trim. It will take at least a year before they are big enough to plant out, but if you act now, you will have plants to replace your old ones – for free!
Gather your supplies
• Sharp secateurs
• Rooting hormone powder
• Small pot
• Seed raising mix
• Pencil
Here’s how
Step 1 Choose nonflowering shoots that have a woody base but a soft, green tip. Gently pull a 10cm shoot to side and strip away from main plant, ensuring it has a heel (a strip of bark) attached. Trim with secateurs.
Step 2 Remove leaves at base of cutting and dip cutting into rooting hormone powder that’s suitable for semi-hardwood cuttings.
Step 3 Fill pot with seed raising mix. Using pencil, poke a shallow hole in top of mix and insert cutting. Repeat for each cutting. Firm cuttings into mix with your fingers and water. In cool or cold areas, cover pot with a clear plastic bag secured around rim with elastic band. Do not cover in warm, humid climates. Position pots on a warm windowsill and water when dry – take care not to overwater, as this will cause cuttings to rot.
