Growing herbs from cuttings is a simple and efficient way to expand your garden. It’s faster than starting from seeds and lets you grow clones of your favorite plants with ease. With just a few steps, you can propagate popular herbs and enjoy fresh greenery at home. Follow this guide to discover how to root and nurture herb cuttings effectively.
Basil
Take 4-6 inch cuttings just below a leaf node during spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves, keeping only 2-3 sets at the top, and place the cuttings in water or moist potting soil. Keep them in bright, indirect light to prevent wilting while rooting. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Basil roots typically form within 10-14 days when kept in temperatures between 70°F and 80°F, though it can tolerate 52°F to 84°F.
Rosemary
Select 4-5 inch semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy stems during late spring. Apply rooting hormone to the cut end to improve success. Plant the cuttings in well-drained potting soil se a humidity dome to help maintain moisture levels. Rosemary thrives in slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.0) and a temperatures between 55°F and 80°F. Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and water moderately to prevent the soil from drying out.
Mint
Mint propagates readily from 4-inch stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer.Trim off the lower leaves and submerge the cuttings in water or moist potting soil in bright, indirect light. Roots develop within 7-10 days at temperatures between 65°F and 70°F. Once rooted, pot the mint to prevent overgrowth in your garden, as it can spread aggressively. Provide partial shade or bright sun, and keep the soil consistently moist with periodic watering.
Oregano
Take 4-inch cuttings from healthy plants, preferably newer, softer growth. Cut the lower leaves and place the cuttings in water on a sunny windowsill. Oregano thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, preferring lower humidity and well-draining soil. In humid climates, provide adequate air circulation to reduce the risk of disease. Plant oregano outdoors only after the last frost date for your region.
Sage
Cut 4-6 inch stems from new growth, avoiding older, woodier stems that root less easily. Trim the lower leaves and put the cuttings in water or moist potting soil. Sage thrives in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F, requiring excellent drainage and moderate watering. Indoors, ensure the plant gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use rooting hormone to improve success, and expect roots to form within 4-6 weeks.
Thyme
Thyme is a low-maintenance herb that thrives on less-than-ideal soil conditions. It prefers sandy or loamy soil but can also flourish in rocky or gravelly areas. Select soft, new growth measuring 2-3 inches in length. Remove leaves from the lower portion and plant multiple cuttings in one pot for a fuller appearance. Thyme prefers temperatures around 65 to 85°F and moderate humidity. Roots develop in approximately three weeks.
Lavender
Take 3-4 inch semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer from stems without flower buds. Remove the lower leaves and immerse the cut ends in the rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of sand, perlite, and lime to ensure proper drainage and maintain an alkaline to neutral soil pH. Lavender needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily and moderate watering, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings. Roots typically form within 4-6 weeks.
Lemon Balm
Harvest 4-inch stem tips in spring or early summer. Trim off the bottom leaves and place the cuttings in water or damp potting mix. Lemon balm roots easily within 10-14 days at temperatures above 65°F and a soil pH of 6.5-7.0. Water the plant at its base to reduce fungal risks, providing more water during warm months and less in cooler months. Consider planting lemon balm in a pot to control its spread.
Vietnamese Coriander
Vietnamese coriander is quite adaptable to temperature variations, tolerating heat up to 109°F and cold as low as 41°F. While it can thrive in warmer conditions, it is sensitive to frost. Select 4-inch stem cuttings with at least two nodes. Place in water or plant directly in a moist potting mix. Once sprouts begin to emerge, ensure they receive six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Roots typically form quickly, often within 7-10 days.
Stevia
To propagate stevia, the first step is to take a 4-6 inch stem from a mature plant and remove the lower leaves. Follow this up by placing the cutting in water. Stevia thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, making it ideal for warm climates. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be strictly kept out of direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate leaves. Stevia thrives in moderate humidity, and its roots typically begin to appear within 7 to 14 days.
Tarragon
Tarragon, especially the French variety, is perfect for growing from cuttings. To propagate, cut a 3-4 inch stem from a healthy plant and then remove the lower leaves. Place the cuttings in water and keep them in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Tarragon grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, with indoor environments maintained at around 70°F. Using a thermometer can help monitor conditions for optimal growth.