Rosemary, Salvia rosmarinus, is a perennial staple in the herb garden with aromatic, pungent needle-like leaves.
Most types stay green all winter and can survive in USDA zones 8 and 9, and some can even make it through the winter in zones 6 and 7.
If you live in a colder area, you can keep your rosemary plants going instead of buying new ones every year by cutting stems during the growing season and growing new plants from them.
Most rosemary varieties are moderate growers and require consistent pruning to get them into a full, bushy form.
Wait a little while because it can take up to two months for cuttings to grow roots in soil.
Rosemary is a staple herb in many gardens, prized for its aromatic needles and robust, woody growth. This Mediterranean native thrives in hot, dry conditions and is deer and rabbit resistant. Once established, rosemary can withstand drought and needs minimal care.
The good news is that propagating rosemary from cuttings is quite easy. Taking cuttings from an existing plant is a simple, low-cost way to multiply your rosemary. With proper care, cuttings root readily and will grow into mature, productive plants within one to two seasons.
Why Grow Rosemary from Cuttings
Growing rosemary from cuttings has many advantages over purchasing plants
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Cost savings – Taking cuttings is practically free, versus buying new plants each season. One healthy rosemary plant can provide many cuttings year after year.
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Guaranteed hardiness – Propagating from an existing plant that thrives locally ensures your new plants will be adapted to your climate
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Expand your supply – Just a few cuttings can multiply into an abundant crop of homegrown rosemary.
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Ideal for container growing – Plants started from cuttings develop compact root systems well suited for pots.
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Strong transplant success – Cuttings transplant seamlessly into the garden since they haven’t been disturbed like bareroot or potted plants.
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Propagate rare varieties – Cuttings allow you to replicate hard-to-find or sentimental rosemary varieties.
When to Take Rosemary Cuttings
For the highest success rate, take rosemary cuttings in spring and early summer when the plants are actively growing. This ensures the best wood for propagation and gives cuttings a long season to establish roots before winter. The ideal time is just after the main spring flush of growth when stems are pliable but firm.
Taking cuttings in fall can work if winters are mild. Otherwise, overwinter cuttings indoors before planting out the following spring. Avoid winter since rosemary doesn’t actively grow. Also skip hot, dry midsummer when growth may stall.
Choosing a Mother Plant
Select a vigorous rosemary plant for your cuttings source. Look for qualities like:
- Mature, at least 2 years old
- Disease free
- Minimal flower and seed production
- Active growth with lush new shoots
- Woody base with non-flowering stems
Avoid weak, stressed plants or ones with a very woody base. Soft green tips of new growth root most readily. Older brown stems often fail or take longer.
How to Take Rosemary Cuttings
Follow these simple steps for taking rosemary stem cuttings:
Step 1: Cut a 4-6 inch section
Use a sharp, clean knife or pruners to detach a tender stem around 4-6 inches long. Select one with new growth at the tip. Angle the cut just below a leaf node.
Step 2: Trim leaves
Strip off the lower leaves, leaving just 2-3 node sets near the top. This prevents moisture loss while directing energy into root growth.
Step 3: Repeat
Take several more cuttings, spacing your cuts 2-3 inches apart on the stems. Take up to a third of the plant’s new growth.
Rooting Rosemary Cuttings in Water
Rooting cuttings in water is an easy way to multiply your rosemary. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare cuttings
Take several 4-6 inch rosemary stem cuttings as described above. Trim off the lower leaves so two leaf sets remain.
Step 2: Place in water
Put the cuttings in a glass or jar of clean water, deep enough to submerge the node portion of each stem.
Step 3: Change water
Replace the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria growth. Use room temperature filtered or distilled water.
Step 4: Watch for roots
Keep the cuttings in bright indirect light. Roots should emerge within 2-4 weeks. Cuttings are ready to pot up once roots are 1/2-1 inch long.
Rooting Rosemary Cuttings in Soil
Rooting cuttings directly in soil is also effective. Follow these instructions:
Step 1: Prepare a pot
Fill a 3-4 inch nursery pot with a light potting mix. Moisten the soil before planting.
Step 2: Dip cuttings in hormone
Dip the trimmed end of each cutting in a rooting hormone powder. Tap off any excess.
Step 3: Plant the cuttings
Poke holes in the potting mix with a pencil. Insert each treated cutting to about half its depth. Firm the soil.
Step 4: Enclose the pot
Cover the pot with a plastic bag to boost humidity around the cuttings.
Step 5: Provide warmth and light
Place the pot where it will receive very bright indirect light and consistent 70-75°F temperature.
Step 6: Wait 1-2 months
Hold off watering for the first few weeks. Then water sparingly just to moisten the soil. Watch for new growth as roots develop.
Caring for Rooted Rosemary Cuttings
Once your cuttings have rooted and show vigorous new top growth, they are ready for potting or transplanting. Follow these tips:
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Harden off – Gradually expose cuttings to more sun and less water 1-2 weeks before transplanting.
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Plant in well-draining soil – Rosemary thrives in sandy, gravelly soil. Amend clay soils before planting.
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Water sparingly – Allow soil to partially dry between waterings. Too much moisture can lead to root rot.
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Choose full sun – Give rosemary at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Fertilize lightly – Rosemary doesn’t need much extra feeding. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 2-3 months.
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Prune regularly – Clip back leggy stems to force bushy growth.
With attentive care, your cuttings will flourish into full-sized, robust rosemary plants in one to two seasons. Then use these to provide you with even more fresh cuttings! Growing rosemary from cuttings is a simple, frugal way to multiply this flavorful herb.
Provide Indirect Light and Warm Temperatures
Rosemary cuttings require plenty of bright, indirect light and warm temperatures of 70°F.
Keep the soil moist but not soaked, and take off the plastic every day for an hour to let more air flow.
Grow lights or fluorescent lights suffice for growing cuttings indoors. Or place your cuttings close to but not directly in a south-facing window.
Cover Pots With Plastic
Cover pots with large plastic bags. This creates a greenhouse effect which provides increased moisture and humidity to encourage root growth.
How To Grow Rosemary From Cuttings, Two Ways, BOTH Easy!
FAQ
Can you root rosemary cuttings in water?
Can you regrow rosemary from a stem?
What time of year do you take rosemary cuttings?
Can You propagate Rosemary from cuttings?
Rosemary cuttings that will be used to propagate new plants are best taken in late spring through to summer while the shoots are still springy, but not so soft that they will wilt in the heat of the day. Regularly taking cuttings and pruning your rosemary bush will encourage it to focus on new growth rather.
How do you root rosemary?
There are two ways to root rosemary, and both have benefits. Rosemary cuttings can be rooted in water or in soil. Water-rooted cuttings will grow roots faster, but soil-rooted cuttings tend to be more robust. Either way, the lush young stems you cut from the plant need to be submerged in a medium where they can sprout roots. Water Propagation
How do you grow Rosemary in a potting mix?
You can use large-celled trays, flower pots, or recycled cups. Stick the rosemary cuttings into the moistened potting mix and gently press around the base to ensure it is firm. Spray the potting mix with some water using a spray bottle, or dip the container into some water until the soil is wet.