How to Grow Lavender From Cutting

A vibrant lavender cutting holds a world of potential, ready to bloom into a fragrant piece of your garden. You’ve probably admired these purple beauties and wondered if you could multiply them without buying new plants. Good news—you can! With just a few snips and some tender care, you’ll transform simple stem cuttings into thriving lavender plants. The process isn’t just economical; it’s deeply satisfying to watch your handiwork take root and flourish into something beautiful.

Selecting the Right Type of Lavender for Propagation

Three popular lavender varieties stand out as excellent candidates for propagation from cuttings.

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the easiest to root and thrives in cooler climates. It’s perfect for beginners.

French lavender (Lavandula dentata) offers unique serrated leaves and longer blooming periods, making it worth the slightly greater challenge.

Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), with its distinctive “rabbit ear” petals, roots well but needs warmer conditions.

Choose cultivars that are healthy and disease-free. You’ll want stems that are semi-woody—not too green and not too hard.

This “Goldilocks zone” guarantees the best rooting success.

When and How to Take the Perfect Cutting

Now that you’ve chosen your ideal lavender variety, it’s time to learn when and how to snip that perfect cutting. The best time is late spring to early summer, when growth is active but before flowering peaks.

Look for healthy, non-flowering stems with fresh growth. Using sharp, clean scissors, cut 3-4 inches from the stem tip, just below a leaf node.

Remove leaves from the bottom half of your cutting, leaving 2-3 sets at the top.

For best results, take cuttings in the morning when plants are hydrated. Your perfect cutting should feel firm, not soft or woody.

Preparing and Treating Your Cuttings for Success

Preparing your freshly cut lavender stems correctly can make all the difference between success and failure.

After taking your cuttings, you’ll need to prep them properly to encourage root growth and prevent disease.

• Remove leaves from the bottom two-thirds of each stem, leaving just a few at the top to photosynthesize.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to stimulate root development.
• Let the cuttings dry for 24 hours if you’ve cut soft, green stems.

This preparation process strengthens your cuttings and gives them the best chance of developing into healthy lavender plants.

Proper Potting Mix and Container Selection

Once your lavender cuttings are properly prepared, they’ll need the right home to thrive in.

Choose a well-draining potting mix – combine equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand for the perfect balance. Lavender hates wet feet!

Your container matters too.

Select pots with drainage holes that are 3-4 inches in diameter. Terra cotta works wonderfully since it wicks away excess moisture.

Don’t cram multiple cuttings into one pot; give each cutting its own space.

Fill your container to about 1 inch from the top, creating a small well in the center for your cutting.

This setup provides the ideal foundation for your future lavender plant.

Essential Care During the Rooting Stage

The delicate period after planting your lavender cutting requires attentive care to encourage successful root development.

You’ll need to create a mini-greenhouse environment that balances moisture and airflow.

• Mist the cutting daily rather than watering heavily—think gentle rain, not downpour—to prevent rot while keeping the soil slightly damp.
• Place in bright, indirect light—direct sun can stress cuttings before they develop roots.
• Remove the plastic covering for 30 minutes daily to provide fresh air and prevent mold growth.

Transplanting and Establishing New Lavender Plants

After your lavender cutting has developed a healthy root system—typically in about 4-6 weeks—you’ll know it’s ready for transplanting when you see new growth at the top and roots emerging from the drainage holes.

Choose a sunny spot with excellent drainage for your new lavender plant.

Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, mix in some coarse sand if your soil is heavy, and plant at the same depth as the cutting was growing.

Don’t bury the woody stem! Water thoroughly once, then let the soil dry between waterings.

Your transplant will need protection from harsh winds and extreme temperatures for the first month.

Conclusion

You’re now ready to multiply your lavender garden like a botanical magician! With proper cutting selection, the right potting mix, and consistent care, you’ll soon enjoy fragrant new plants without spending a dime. Remember, patience is key—those tiny cuttings need time to establish strong roots. Before you know it, you’ll have lavender flourishing in your garden, ready to delight your senses for years to come.