how to propagate rosemary

To propagate rosemary, there are three common and effective methods: stem cuttings in soil, stem cuttings in water, and layering.

Propagating Rosemary by Stem Cuttings in Soil

1. Use clean pruners to take 4- to 6-inch-long stem cuttings from a healthy rosemary plant.
2. Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
3. Optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
4. Plant the cuttings in well-draining potting mix with perlite in a container with drainage holes.
5. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in indirect light.
6. Roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks. Once rooted, transplant the cuttings into individual pots.

Propagating Rosemary in Water

1. Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings and remove the lower leaves.
2. Place the cuttings in a clear glass or vase filled with fresh water, ensuring leaves do not touch the water to prevent rot.
3. Keep the container in indirect light and change the water every few days.
4. Roots will form in 2-3 weeks.
5. When roots are well developed, transfer the cuttings to soil.

Propagating Rosemary by Layering

1. Select a healthy, low-growing rosemary branch still attached to the mother plant.
2. Bend the branch towards the ground without breaking it.
3. Remove leaves from the section of the branch to be buried, lightly scrape the underside of the stem.
4. Bury 2-3 inches of the wounded section under soil and secure it with a U-shaped wire or pin.
5. Water regularly to maintain moisture.
6. After 6-8 weeks, once roots have formed, cut the new plant from the mother plant and transplant it.

These methods allow gardeners to create new rosemary plants successfully, with cuttings in soil being the most common and reliable method.