Did you know that a single rosemary plant can provide enough cuttings to start an entire herb garden? Propagating herbs is a game-changing skill that can reduce your reliance on store-bought herbs. Use this guide to gain the knowledge and techniques to successfully propagate both culinary and medicinal herbs like oregano, sage, basil, and lemon balm.
How Herb Propagation Benefits Your Homestead
When planning a medicinal herb garden, I like to choose double-duty herbs that can be used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Additionally, choosing perennial plants proves to be a great investment because you plant them just once and receive continual harvests year after year.
Perennials do need management to encourage their health and vigor, which is where learning how to propagate becomes an essential homesteading skill. Some plants require dividing, while others need regular pruning to encourage growth. As you tend and care for them, you can simultaneously propagate to create free plants!
Annual plants can also be propagated, increasing self-sufficiency by multiplying the number of plants in your garden. You can share your propagated plants as a gift or even sell them at your local farmer’s market.
What Is Herb Propagation
Herb propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. This can be done through various methods including stem cuttings, division, and layering.
Propagating herbs is an important skill for both home gardeners and commercial growers, as it allows them to increase their herb production, maintain genetic diversity, and ensure a consistent supply of fresh herbs.
It’s important to note that some plants have been patented. If a plant bears a trademark (™), a patent number, or says “PPAF” (Plant Patent Applied For), it is illegal to propagate these plants. When purchasing a plant, a patent number will begin with “USPP”, “PP”, “US Plant Patent”, or “Plant Patent #.”
Ideal Propagating Conditions
While many herbs can be successfully propagated outdoors, it’s also possible to propagate herbs indoors, which can be particularly useful for gardeners with limited outdoor space or during colder seasons.
- Choosing the Right Containers – Small pots, trays, or propagation stations specifically designed for indoor herb propagation are excellent choices when propagating herbs indoors. Make sure the containers have ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other plant health issues.
- Lighting and Temperature – Herbs typically thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, so placing your propagation containers near a sunny windowsill or using grow lights can provide the necessary illumination. Maintain a consistent temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C) to create an optimal environment for your indoor herb cuttings to root and establish.
- Humidity – To maintain appropriate humidity levels indoors, consider using a propagation station with a humidity dome or misting the cuttings regularly. This will help prevent the delicate stems and leaves from drying out during the rooting process.
- Choosing an Outdoor Location – When selecting a location for outdoor herb propagation, look for a spot that receives ample sunlight throughout the day, as most culinary herbs thrive in full sun.
- Outdoor Soil Considerations – The soil should be well-draining and nutrient-rich to support healthy root development. If your garden soil is heavy or compacted, consider using raised beds or containers filled with a high-quality potting mix to create the ideal growing environment.
- Protection from the Elements- Herbs can be vulnerable to extreme weather, such as frost, heat, and strong winds, especially during the propagation stage. To protect your newly propagated plants, you can use cloches, cold frames, or even simple makeshift shelters.
Preparing for Propagation
Before you begin propagating your herbs, it is important to gather the necessary tools and materials and decide which herbs you want to propagate.
- Pruning Shears – Clean, sharp pruning shears, scissors, or a razor blade are helpful for taking your cuttings.
- Clean Container – The size and type of container you use will depend on the method of propagation you choose. The most important thing to remember is that your container should be clean to protect your new plants from disease.
- Rooting Medium – Depending on the method used, there is a variety of rooting mediums to choose from, including well-draining potting soil, hormone powder or gel, and sometimes just plain water!
- Light – Providing the right amount of light is crucial for successful herb propagation by cuttings. If you do not have a naturally sunny location, you can use artificial grow lights.
- Herbs – Some herbs are easier to work with than others. Rosemary, sage, basil, and lemon balm are generally considered easy to propagate, as they readily produce new roots from stem cuttings. On the other hand, herbs like lavender and thyme can be more challenging to propagate, often requiring specialized techniques or more meticulous care. Consider your experience level and the specific needs of the herbs you wish to propagate when selecting which ones to focus on.
Herb Propagation Methods
Certain herbs respond better to different propagation methods. Learning the various techniques will allow you to choose the right method for your herb.
Propagating Herbs by Cuttings
Propagating herbs through stem cuttings is a popular and efficient method. This process, known as cloning, allows you to easily propagate a variety of herbs, including basil, borage, calendula, catnip, chamomile, cilantro, lavender, parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
The key is to create the right environment for the cuttings to develop strong, healthy roots.
- To take herb cuttings, select healthy, disease-free stems and cut them just below a leaf node, leaving a few inches of stem.
- Remove any leaves or flowers from the lower portion of the cutting, and optionally dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development.
- Place the cuttings in water and leave them in a bright, indirect light location (or use a grow light to ensure they receive the necessary illumination.)
- With the proper care and attention, your herb cuttings should develop roots within a few weeks, and you’ll be able to transplant them into larger containers or your garden.
Propagating Herbs through Division
Another effective method for propagating herbs is through division. This technique is well-suited for perennial herb species, such as lemon balm, mint, chives, and oregano, which naturally grow in clumps or bunches over time.
The key to successful herb propagation by division is to identify mature, established plants. These plants will have a well-developed root system and multiple stems or clumps growing together. Look for herbs that have been in the ground for at least a year, as they will be more resilient and able to withstand the division process.
- To propagate herbs through division, carefully dig up the entire plant, taking care to preserve as much of the root system as possible.
- Using a sharp, clean knife or spade, divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of the roots and foliage. This can be done in spring or fall (and even the summer if carefully tended to) when the plants are actively growing.
- Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly, and provide care to help them establish.
Propagating Herbs by Layering
Layering is another technique for propagating herbs, particularly those with trailing or vining growth habits, such as rosemary, lemon balm, thyme, and mint. This method involves encouraging the stem of a plant to root while it is still attached to the parent plant.
Layering techniques include air layering, tip layering, and ground layering.
- Air Layering – In air layering, a small wound is made on the stem, and rooting hormone is applied before wrapping the area in a moist medium, such as sphagnum moss, to encourage root growth.
- Tip Layering – Tip layering (pictured above) involves bending a stem down to the ground and burying a portion of it, which will then root and form a new plant.
- Ground Layering – Ground layering is similar, but the stem is left attached to the parent plant while the rooted portion is separated and transplanted.
Regardless of the layering technique used, the key is to ensure the stem remains moist and in contact with the rooting medium until the new roots have developed sufficiently to support a separate plant.
Caring for Propagated Herbs
Once you have successfully propagated your herbs, it’s important to provide them with the proper care and attention to ensure their continued growth and health. This includes proper watering, fertilizing, and managing pests and diseases.
| Caring Aspect | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Watering | Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Adjust the watering frequency based on climate and growing conditions. |
| Fertilizing | Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or nutrient-rich compost. Or apply compost tea every two weeks throughout the growing season (until the plant is well established). |
| Pest Management | Monitor for pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Use organic or natural remedies, such as neem oil. |
| Disease Management | Watch for signs of fungal or bacterial diseases. Maintain good air circulation, proper humidity, and healthy soil to prevent diseases. |
Carolyn’s Cottage Garden Herb List
Now that you know how easy it is to propagate herbs, are you ready to start a sustainable herb garden? There are so many herbs to choose from that it can feel overwhelming, but with this FREE Cottage Garden Plant List, you will receive my top picks for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic herbs.
This well-organized resource identifies whether the herb is a perennial or annual, complete with suggested uses. Download your copy for instant access, and get started planning your herb garden today!
FAQ
Herb propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. This is an important skill for both home gardeners and commercial growers, as it allows them to increase their herb production, maintain genetic diversity, and ensure a consistent supply of fresh herbs.
Growing your own herbs offers several benefits, including access to a sustainable and cost-effective supply of fresh, flavorful herbs, the ability to control the growing conditions and the satisfaction of cultivating your own edible plants.
The basic supplies you’ll need include clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, a clean container or pot, well-draining potting soil or rooting medium, and a clean, sharp knife or razor blade.
Yes, propagating herbs through stem cuttings is a popular and efficient method. Select healthy, disease-free stems, cut them just below a leaf node, remove any leaves or flowers from the lower portion, and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root development.
Yes, it’s possible to propagate herbs indoors, which can be particularly useful for gardeners with limited outdoor space or during colder seasons. When propagating herbs indoors, be sure to choose the right containers, provide adequate lighting, and maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
