Marty Baldwin
Some varieties of lavender are protected by a patent, making themillegal to propagate.
Be sure to read plant labels carefully.
Both softwood and hardwood cuttings usually yield good results, but softwood cuttings root faster than hardwood cuttings.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Many gardeners take lavender cuttings when theyprune lavender plantsin spring or when lavender stops flowering in mid-summer to fall.
Layering lavender takes longer.
Youll get the best results if you try this technique in spring or summer when plants are actively growing.
Step 1: Take cuttings.
Some cuttings may not root, so taking at least three or four cuttings is a good idea.
Step 2: Remove lower leaves.
Be sure to leave at least two sets of healthy leaves on the top of each cutting.
Step 3: Add rooting hormone.
Rooting hormoneis optional, but it helps cuttings root faster and protects against rot.
Step 4: Plant the cuttings.
Fill small pots or a planting tray with a pre-moistened potting mix.
Look for a potting mix withsand or perlitefor added drainage.
Firm the soil around each cutting to keep the stems upright.
If youre propagating multiple cuttings in a single container, space the cuttings 3 to 4 inches apart.
Step 5: Wait for roots.
Step 6: Transplant new lavender plants.
Step 1: Prepare the soil.
Step 2: Select lavender stems for propagation.
Choose a healthy, flower-free lavender stem to propagate.
The stem should be pest-free and at least 6 inches long, but dont cut it with pruners.
With the layering technique, lavender stems stay attached to their parent plants while they root.
Step 3: Remove the lower leaves.
Carefully strip away the lavender leaves around the area of the stem where it will ping the soil.
Step 4: Anchor the stem in place.
Step 5: Wait for the stem to root.
Layering can take up to a year to produce a rooted lavender plant, so you must be patient.
After about a year, the bent stem of lavender should have a nice clump of healthy roots.
