Most don’t know. The dead simple way to grow lavender from cuttings. Full article 👇 💬

 

Most Don’t Know: The Dead Simple Way to Grow Lavender from Cuttings

Lavender — the fragrant, beautiful, and endlessly useful herb — has become a garden staple worldwide. From culinary delights and homemade beauty products to calming teas and stunning garden borders, lavender brings beauty and function in equal measure.

But here’s a secret that many gardeners don’t know: growing lavender from cuttings is dead simple, fast, and reliable. You don’t need expensive seeds or fancy equipment. With just a few easy steps, you can propagate lavender plants that will thrive in your garden or pots, saving money and ensuring you always have fresh lavender on hand.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow lavender from cuttings — the exact tools, timing, preparation, care, and troubleshooting you need for success.

---

Why Grow Lavender from Cuttings?

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about why growing lavender from cuttings is so smart.

• Fast results: Lavender grown from cuttings roots and grows faster than from seeds, which can take months to germinate.

• Cost-effective: Instead of buying new plants, you can multiply your existing lavender easily.

• True to type: Cuttings produce clones of the parent plant, so you get the exact lavender variety you love. Seeds can be unpredictable.

• Easy for beginners: No complicated grafting or tissue culture — just snip, plant, and watch it grow.

• Perfect for gifts: Rooted cuttings make beautiful, personal gifts for friends and family.

---

What You’ll Need to Get Started

• Healthy lavender plant (source of cuttings)

• Sharp pruning shears or scissors (clean and sterilized)

• Small pots or seed trays with drainage holes

• Well-draining rooting medium (a mix of perlite and peat moss, or sandy potting soil)

• Rooting hormone powder or gel (optional but recommended for better rooting)

• Clear plastic bag or mini-greenhouse to create humidity

• Water spray bottle

• Labels and pen (optional, but handy for tracking varieties)

---

Step 1: When to Take Lavender Cuttings

Timing is important for success. The best time to take lavender cuttings is:

• Late spring to early summer, just after the plant finishes its main flowering flush.

• Avoid very young, soft growth or old woody stems; choose semi-hardwood cuttings that are firm but not too woody.

• Morning is the best time to take cuttings, when plants are hydrated and temperatures are cooler.

---

Step 2: Choosing and Preparing the Cuttings

Selecting the Right Stems

• Look for healthy, disease-free lavender shoots about 4-6 inches long.

• Choose new growth that’s starting to firm up (semi-hardwood), usually from the current season.

• Avoid flowering stems, as they put energy into flowers rather than roots. Trim flower buds off if necessary.

Taking the Cuttings

• Using sharp, clean pruners, snip the stem just below a leaf node (the spot where leaves grow from the stem). This is where roots will emerge.

• Aim for about 4 inches in length, removing any flower buds and trimming to just above the lowest leaf node.

Preparing the Cuttings

• Strip the leaves off the lower half of the cutting to expose bare stem for planting. Remove any flowers or buds.

• Optional: Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder or gel to stimulate root growth and protect from rot.

---

Step 3: Planting the Cuttings

Preparing the Rooting Medium

• Use a light, well-draining mix to prevent soggy conditions that cause rot. A 50/50 mix of perlite and peat moss is ideal.

• Fill small pots or seed trays with the medium, and moisten it slightly — it should be damp but not soaking.

Planting Process

• Make a hole in the medium with a pencil or stick for the cutting’s stem.

• Insert the cutting into the hole, burying the bare stem part (about 2 inches deep). Firm the soil gently around it.

• Space cuttings so they’re not touching to allow good airflow.

Creating Humidity

• Cover the pots or trays with a clear plastic bag or place them inside a mini-greenhouse to retain humidity.

• Use sticks or small stakes to keep the plastic from touching the cuttings directly.

• Mist the cuttings daily to maintain moisture but avoid waterlogging.

---

Step 4: Caring for Your Lavender Cuttings

Light

• Place the cuttings in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too intense and dry them out.

• Avoid dark, low-light spots that slow rooting.

Temperature

• Ideal temperatures are between 65-70°F (18-21°C).

• Avoid cold drafts or hot, dry air.

Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist — not soggy or dry.

• Mist the leaves if needed to keep humidity high.

Air Circulation

• Remove the plastic cover for a short period each day to allow air exchange and prevent mold.

• If mold appears, increase ventilation or remove the cover for longer.

---

Step 5: Root Development and Transplanting

How Long Does Rooting Take?

• Lavender cuttings usually root within 3-6 weeks.

• Gently tug on the cutting after 3 weeks; if you feel resistance, roots are developing.

Transplanting to Larger Pots

• When roots fill the small pots and new growth appears, it’s time to transplant into a larger container with regular potting soil.

• Harden off your plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week or two before planting in the garden.

---

Step 6: Planting Lavender Outdoors

If you live in USDA zones 5-9 (or similar climate zones), you can plant lavender in your garden.

Site Selection

• Choose a sunny, well-draining spot. Lavender hates wet feet and heavy clay soil.

• Raised beds or mounded soil improve drainage.

Planting Tips

• Space plants about 12-18 inches apart for airflow.

• Add sand or gravel to heavy soil to improve drainage.

• Water newly planted lavender regularly for the first few weeks until established, then reduce watering.

Care After Planting

• Lavender prefers dry conditions once established.

• Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

• Mulch with gravel or small stones rather than organic mulch to avoid moisture retention.

---

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Cuttings Fail to Root

• Too much moisture? Cuttings may rot in soggy soil. Use a well-draining medium and avoid overwatering.

• Too little humidity? Cover with plastic to retain moisture.

• Wrong cutting type? Use semi-hardwood stems, not woody or soft new growth.

• Lack of rooting hormone? Try using it to stimulate root formation.

Mold or Fungal Issues

• Ensure good ventilation and avoid water pooling on leaves.

• Remove infected cuttings to prevent spread.

Pests

• Aphids and spider mites sometimes attack young plants.

• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.

---

Pro Tips for Lavender Propagation Success

• Take multiple cuttings — not all will root, so having extra increases your chances.

• Use sharp, clean tools and sterilize with rubbing alcohol to prevent disease spread.

• Avoid taking cuttings in hot, dry weather — early morning is best.

• Label your cuttings if you’re propagating multiple varieties.

---

Why Lavender Is Worth Growing

• Its gorgeous purple flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

• Dried lavender is great for sachets, potpourri, and crafts.

• Lavender oil has calming properties, and you can make your own at home.

• It’s drought tolerant once established, saving water and time.

---

Summary: Dead Simple Lavender Propagation in 6 Steps

Step	What to Do	When to Do It
1. Take cuttings	Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems	Late spring to early summer
2. Prepare cuttings	Strip lower leaves, trim flowers, dip in rooting hormone	Immediately after cutting
3. Plant cuttings	Insert into moist, well-draining medium	Same day
4. Create humidity	Cover with plastic bag or mini-greenhouse	After planting
5. Care for cuttings	Bright indirect light, keep moist, ventilate daily	Ongoing, 3-6 weeks
6. Transplant rooted cuttings	Move to bigger pots or outdoors when roots develop	After 3-6 weeks

---

Final Thoughts

Growing lavender from cuttings is surprisingly easy — even for beginners. With minimal tools and a little patience, you can multiply your lavender plants, fill your garden with their beautiful fragrance, and enjoy the countless benefits lavender offers.

So don’t buy expensive plants or seeds! Grab some healthy lavender from your garden or a friend’s, snip some cuttings, and get growing the dead simple way.

If you want, I can also guide you on harvesting, drying, and using your homegrown lavender for cooking, crafts, and wellness. Just ask!

Happy gardening! 🌿💜

---

Would you like me to help you with a printable step-by-step checklist or troubleshooting chart?