How to Successfully Grow Lavender from Cuttings

Are you a lavender lover with dreams of a garden overflowing with fragrant lavender blooms? Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, learning how to grow lavender from cuttings can be a rewarding experience. This versatile perennial herb is not only a beautiful addition to any garden but also has a delightful scent that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about successfully propagating lavender from cuttings. From choosing the right stem to caring for your new plants in the winter, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the world of growing lavender from cuttings together!

What You’ll Learn

Table of Contents

A Lavender Primer
Softwood or Hardwood Stems
Pot Them Up
Winter Care
Plant Out in the Garden

A Lavender Primer

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of growing lavender from cuttings, let’s take a moment to appreciate this beloved herb. Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes other aromatic herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and sage. With its semi-woody stems and attractive flower heads, lavender is a staple in many gardens.

Types of Lavender

There are four main types of lavender commonly grown in home gardens:

English (L. angustifolia)

Blooms from late spring to midsummer
Flower colors range from mauve to pink, purple, and white
Hardy and suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10

French (L. dentata)

Flowers from July to September
Flowers are pale blue, mauve, or white
Hardy in Zones 8-10

Spanish (L. stoechas)

Blooms in late spring and early summer
Flowers in hues of blue, mauve, and deep pink
Hardy in Zones 8-11

Lavandins (L. x intermedia)

Hybrids of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia
Hardy in Zones 5-10
Longer flower stems and larger mounds

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of lavender, let’s move on to the next step in growing lavender from cuttings.

Softwood or Hardwood Stems

When propagating lavender from cuttings, you have the option of using either softwood or hardwood stems. Softwood cuttings are taken from new growth in the spring, while hardwood cuttings are taken from mature wood from the previous season.

Softwood Stems: Root quickly but are less reliable
Hardwood Stems: More resistant to bacterial infections and damping off

To take cuttings, choose healthy stems without buds or flowers, and follow these steps:
– Cut stems that are 4 to 8 inches long just below a leaf node
– Strip leaves from the lower 2-3 inches and gently scrape off the outer skin at the base
– Dip cut ends in rooting hormone before potting them up

Pro tip: Always take a few extra cuttings to account for any that may not root successfully.

Pot Them Up

Once you’ve prepared your cuttings, it’s time to pot them up in a well-draining soil mix. Follow these steps to ensure your lavender cuttings thrive:
– Use a 6-inch pot filled with a commercial potting mix or a DIY blend
– Insert cuttings around the perimeter of the pot, ensuring they are steady and upright
– Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse for humidity
– Place the pots in a warm, shaded location with indirect light

After a few weeks, check for root formation by gently tugging on the stems. If roots have formed, remove the plastic bag and continue to care for your new plants until they are ready for planting.

Winter Care

During the winter months, it’s essential to provide proper care for your lavender cuttings. Follow these tips to ensure your plants survive the cold weather:
– Keep fall cuttings in sheltered locations with protection from freezing temperatures
– Use straw mulch for cold-tolerant varieties and bring tender plants indoors if needed
– Reduce watering in the winter but ensure plants don’t dry out

As temperatures warm up, move your pots to a sunny location to prepare them for planting out in the garden.

Plant Out in the Garden

When it’s time to plant your lavender cuttings in the garden, follow these steps for success:
– Choose a well-drained, sunny location with good air circulation
– Plant in soil with a pH of 6.0-8.0 and add gravel or sand for drainage
– Keep mulch away from the stem base to prevent root rot
– Wait until six weeks before the first frost date for summer cuttings and plant out in spring for fall cuttings

With these tips in mind, your lavender cuttings will have the best chance of thriving in your garden.

A Cut Above

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to grow lavender from cuttings. With the right knowledge and care, you can create a garden filled with beautiful lavender blooms in no time. Share your new plants with friends and family or use them as a valuable asset in your local plant exchange.

If you enjoyed learning about lavender propagation, be sure to explore our other herb growing guides for more inspiration:
– Rosemary: How to Grow this Classic Garden Herb
– How to Grow and Use Lemon Balm
– How to Grow Bee Balm: Bring Out the Hummingbirds!
– How to Grow Horehound

Thank you for joining us on this lavender propagation journey. Happy gardening!

In conclusion, by following these detailed steps, you can successfully propagate lavender from cuttings and create a stunning garden filled with fragrant blooms. With a little patience and care, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful lavender plants that will enhance your garden for years to come. Happy gardening!