The best time to propagate a lavender is spring or summer. However, you should cut the lavender cuttings by the end of July at the latest, as they take at least six weeks to take root. Planters, on the other hand, should only be planted in spring, as they can only be separated from the mother plant after three months.

Propagating lavender with cuttings

Lavender is quite easy to propagate from cuttings. In many cases it is better to take cuttings from an old, woody lavender bush and then either prune the mother plant properly - to "rejuvenate" as the gardener calls it - or remove it altogether. Proceed as follows when propagating cuttings:

  • Select young, not yet woody shoots with at least two leaf bases.
  • These should be between 10 and 15 centimeters long.
  • Cuttings that are already lignified are also suitable, but they take longer to root.
  • Cut with a clean and sharp knife, not scissors.
  • The cutting surface should be slanted so that the shoot can absorb water more easily.
  • Dip the cut surface in a rooting hormone (powder).
  • Plant the cuttings individually in small pots with nutrient-poor soil (growing soil).
  • Soak them thoroughly.
  • Finally, only water - when the substrate has already dried.
  • Place the pot in a warm and sunny place - but not in the blazing sun.
  • After about six to eight weeks you can transplant the seedling.

Multiply lavender over sinkers

Instead of cutting off the cuttings, you can also use them as so-called sinkers. To do this, the sticks do not have to be cut off, but can remain on the mother plant until they have developed roots themselves.

  • Choose a pliable, young branch.
  • This should be as close to the ground as possible.
  • Dig a hole about 10 to 15 centimeters deep at a short distance.
  • There you bury the middle of the branch, with the leaves and flowers sticking out on the other side.
  • Weight down the branch with a stone or something similar so that it does not slip out.
  • Water the buried branch regularly.
  • After about three to four months, the sinker should have developed its own roots and can be separated from the mother plant.

tips and tricks

Sometimes the advice is found to divide large lavender bushes for propagation. However, this is hardly possible with lavender, after all they are not perennials, but shrubs that become woody in old age.

IJA

Category:

Herbs