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How To Grow Lavender From Cuttings

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How To Grow Lavender From Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

Lavender — with its calming fragrance, vibrant purple blooms, and soothing properties — is a garden favorite around the world. While you can grow it from seed, there’s a faster, easier way to get a thriving lavender plant: propagate it from cuttings.

Growing lavender from cuttings not only saves money, but also guarantees a genetic match to your favorite variety. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to grow a new plant from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this guide will show you exactly how to do it.


🌿 Why Grow Lavender From Cuttings?

  • Faster than seeds – Lavender seeds take a long time to germinate and grow. Cuttings root quickly and grow into mature plants faster.
  • Reliable results – Cuttings are clones of the parent plant, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of fragrance, bloom color, and growth habit.
  • Cost-effective – Turn one lavender plant into many, without buying new ones.

✂️ What You’ll Need

  • A healthy, established lavender plant
  • Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears
  • Small pots or seedling trays
  • Well-draining potting mix (or a mix of sand and compost)
  • Rooting hormone (optional, but helpful)
  • Clear plastic bag or humidity dome
  • Spray bottle with water

🌱 Step-by-Step: How to Grow Lavender from Cuttings

Step 1: Choose the Right Stem

Look for a non-flowering, softwood stem — green, flexible, and about 3–5 inches long. Avoid woody or flowering stems, as they are slower to root.

Best time to take cuttings: Late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing.


Step 2: Take the Cutting

Using clean scissors, snip the stem just below a leaf node (the bump where leaves grow). This is where roots will most likely develop.


Step 3: Prep the Cutting

  • Strip the lower leaves off the bottom 1–2 inches of the stem.
  • If you’re using rooting hormone, dip the cut end into it. This can speed up root growth, but it’s optional.

Step 4: Plant the Cutting

  • Fill a small pot or tray with moist, well-draining soil.
  • Insert the cutting about 1–2 inches deep, pressing the soil gently around it.
  • Mist the cutting with water.

Use multiple cuttings in case a few don’t take — success rate is usually around 70–80%.


Step 5: Create a Mini Greenhouse

Cover the pot loosely with a clear plastic bag or use a humidity dome. This keeps humidity in and encourages rooting.

  • Place in a warm, bright area (indirect light only — avoid direct sun).
  • Vent the bag once a day to prevent mold.

Step 6: Wait and Watch

Roots usually form in 2–4 weeks. You’ll know your cutting has rooted when:

  • It resists a gentle tug (indicating roots have formed)
  • New growth appears at the top

Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, which can cause rot.