How to Take Rosemary Cuttings: A Beginner’s Guide

by Gregory June 26, 2024

written by Gregory June 26, 2024 2 minutes read

How to Take Rosemary Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide

Rosemary is a popular herb that can be easily propagated from cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You will need:

Established rosemary plant
Sharp knife or scissors
Hormone rooting powder
Terracotta pots or seed tray modules
Compost mix (equal parts potting compost and horticultural grit or perlite/vermiculite)
John Innes No. 2 compost (for potting on)

Step 2: Prepare the Cuttings

Snip off shoots of new growth that are 10-15cm long.
Remove most of the lower leaves to reduce moisture loss.

Step 3: Cut the Base of the Stem

Use a sharp knife to cut off the base of the stem just below a leaf node.

Step 4: Dip in Rooting Hormone

Dip the stem ends in hormone rooting powder to speed up the rooting process.

Step 5: Plant the Cuttings

Fill pots or seed tray modules with compost mix.
Insert several rosemary cuttings around the edge, or plant individually.
Water in cuttings to settle the compost around their stems.

Step 6: Care for the Cuttings

Place pots in a cold frame, propagator, or cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture.
Mist over foliage and ensure the compost stays moist.

Step 7: Check for Roots

After a few weeks, gently invert pots and check for signs of root development.

Step 8: Pot Up the Cuttings

Once the cuttings have a good root system, tease them apart and pot up individually into John Innes No. 2 compost.

Step 9: Care for the Young Plants

Keep plants watered and pot them on again as they get larger.
Feed the rosemary plants with a dilute solution of fertilizer once roots have formed.

With a little care, your rosemary cuttings will soon be thriving and ready to plant out in the garden.

Gregory

Gregory isn't your typical blogger. When he's not weaving tales, you can find him elbow-deep in soil, nurturing his vibrant garden. A devoted family man, Gregory finds inspiration in the quiet moments spent with loved ones and the constant cycle of growth and renewal in his backyard oasis. These experiences infuse his writing with a warmth and connection to the natural world, offering readers a fresh perspective on life, love, and the simple joys found in both the written word and the blossoming garden.