How to Grow Lavender from Cuttings: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Lavender from Cuttings
If you’re as obsessed with lavender as I am and want an easy, budget-friendly way to get more in your garden, you’re in luck! Propagating lavender from cuttings is super fun and so rewarding. Not only can you grow more plants without spending a ton, but it also gives you consistent, healthy lavender that grows faster than starting from seeds. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want more of that amazing lavender scent around the house? Give it a shot—it’s way easier than you think. Let’s dive in and get started!
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Why Grow Lavender from Cuttings?
Growing lavender from cuttings is not only faster than starting from seeds—which can take ages to germinate and mature—but it also guarantees that your new plants will be identical to the parent plant. This is especially handy if you have a particularly fragrant or hardy variety that you love and want to replicate. Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about watching those little cuttings take root and thrive—it’s the kind of process that makes you feel like a true gardening pro!
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) in my garden attracting butterflies.
What You’ll Need:
Healthy lavender plant
Sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors
Potting mix (well-draining soil)
Small pots or containers
Rooting hormone (optional but useful for faster rooting)
Clear plastic or a plastic bag for humidity
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) in bloom in my yard.
Best Time to Propagate Lavender
The best time to take cuttings is in late spring to early summer because the plant is actively growing.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Select a Healthy Parent Plant
Choose a well-established plant with strong, disease-free growth. Healthy cuttings result in better propagation success.
This is my lavender plant that I will be taking cuttings from.
2. Select Your Cuttings
Look for healthy, non-flowering stems about 4-6 inches long. The stems should be soft and flexible, not woody.
This is a perfect stem to take a cutting from. It is soft, green wood. You don’t want to take from a woody stem.
3. Take the Cutting
Using sharp scissors or pruning shears snip the cutting just below a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem). This is the point where roots are most likely to grow.
Here I am taking the cutting.
I took 2 cuttings from the same parent plant. Here they are after cutting them.
4. Prepare the Cutting
Strip off the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting, leaving the top leaves intact. Dip the bottom of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder or gel for faster root development, but this step is optional.
After stripping off the bottom leaves.
This is the rooting hormone I will dip my cutting into to help it take root quicker.
Make sure to swirl your lavender cutting in the rooting hormone and evenly coat the stem like this.
5. Plant the Cutting
Fill a small pot or container with well-draining potting mix. Lavender thrives in dry soil, so avoid overly rich mixes or heavy clay soils. Make a small hole in the soil and insert the cutting, burying it 1–2 inches deep. Firm the soil around the base to hold the cutting upright.
This is the seed starting mix I used and the containers in which I planted my lavender cuttings.
Here I am preparing the holes for my lavender cuttings.
I am planting my cutting into the soil for them to take root.
6. Create a Humid Environment
Cover the potted cutting with clear plastic or a plastic bag to trap moisture and create a mini-greenhouse. Ensure the plastic doesn’t touch the leaves (use stakes if needed) to prevent fungal issues.
7. Place in Indirect Light
Keep the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, as it can dry out the cutting before roots develop.
8. Watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mist the cuttings with water to maintain humidity.
9. Wait for Roots to Grow
Roots typically form within 2–4 weeks. You can gently tug on the cuttings to check if they’ve rooted. Resistance indicates root growth. Once they have a strong root system, you can transplant them to larger pots or directly into your garden.
RELATED: How to Plant a Lavender Hedge: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips for Success
Always use sharp, clean tools to avoid introducing diseases to the cuttings or the parent plant.
Propagation works best in moderate temperatures (not during extreme heat or cold).
If multiple cuttings are taken, consider planting several to increase your success rate.
Patience is key. It can take several weeks for roots to form.
Keep an eye on the humidity. Too much moisture can cause the cuttings to rot.
Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging.
Enjoy Your New Lavender Plants
Once your cuttings have taken root, you’ll have new lavender plants ready to grace your garden. Growing lavender from cuttings is not only economical but also a satisfying way to expand your garden. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it can be.
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