How Do I Take Cuttings from Lavender?

Lavender is one of the most straightforward shrubs to propagate from cuttings. Success rates are high, the technique is simple, and rooted cuttings can replace an ageing plant, fill gaps in a planting scheme, or be given away. There are two main types of cutting you can take — softwood in late spring and semi-ripe in late summer — and both work well, with semi-ripe cuttings having a slight edge in terms of robustness through their first winter. The key factors are taking cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoot tips and providing the right compost conditions for rooting.

When to take cuttings

Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring to early summer (May to June) when shoots are young, flexible and actively growing. They root quickly — often within three to four weeks — but are softer and more prone to wilting. Semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer (July to September) from shoot tips that have begun to firm up at the base but remain green and flexible at the tip are more robust, less prone to rot, and produce stronger plants that overwinter more reliably.

Selecting and preparing the cutting

Choose a healthy, non-flowering side shoot approximately 8 to 10 cm long from the current year's growth. Avoid shoots that have flowered, as these root poorly. Using a sharp, clean blade, cut cleanly just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the lower two thirds of the cutting, leaving a clear stem to insert into compost. Avoid tearing the stem or leaving leaf stubs that can rot. If taking cuttings from several plants, keep each plant's cuttings separate to preserve variety integrity.

Rooting compost and containers

Fill small pots or a tray with a very free-draining mix — either a ready-made cutting compost or a homemade blend of equal parts multi-purpose compost and perlite or horticultural grit. Never use moisture-retaining compost or add fertiliser; both encourage rot rather than root development. Make a hole with a pencil or dibber and insert the cutting to a depth of about 3 cm, firming gently around the stem. Insert several cuttings around the edge of a pot where airflow is best.

Aftercare and rooting environment

Water the cuttings once thoroughly, then allow the compost to partially dry between waterings. Place in a bright, warm position out of direct midday sun — a cold frame, greenhouse or bright windowsill is ideal. Some propagators cover with a clear polythene bag to maintain humidity, but lavender cuttings are prone to botrytis in very humid conditions; if using a cover, ventilate daily. Roots typically develop within four to eight weeks; test by gently tugging the cutting to feel for resistance.

Potting on and hardening off

Once well rooted, pot individual plants on into 9 cm pots of standard compost mixed with grit. Grow on in a cold frame or greenhouse over winter, then plant out in spring after the last frost has passed. Do not plant lavender cuttings outdoors in autumn — the young root system will not tolerate heavy, wet winter soil in its first year.