The basic operations to root lavender by cuttings.
Like many plants, lavender can also be propagated by cuttings : that is, through twigs obtained from a mother plant and replanted after rooting.
Taking cuttings is a seemingly easy process, however it requires specific precautions depending on the plant in question: in this case lavender, in fact.
So let’s see how to propagate it correctly .
- Period : The ideal time to root lavender cuttings is spring, or just before fall or between September and October.
- Cutting : First, to properly cut twigs you need clean and sterilized tools. Choose a healthy, leaf-covered branch from an adult (i.e. 2 years old at least) mother plant. Practice an oblique cut.
- Cut : the cut should have the characteristics of a twig about 10 cm long, from which the leaves at the base must be removed.
- Soil: The lavender cutting can be rooted in small pots of soil. However, it is important that it has a draining component, since excess water can damage the cutting and impede its growth.
- Water: or you can root it in water, inserting the twig in a glass of water, this way it will also be possible to monitor the progress of the roots.
- Exposure: the exposure of the cuttings may vary depending on the period, however in general it is advisable to protect it from too direct sunlight but also from extremely cold temperatures.
- Irrigation : If you have chosen to plant the cutting in the ground, it is good to always keep it moist, preventing it from drying out completely.
- Decanting : When you notice the leaves and stem of the cutting starting to develop, it is time to move it to the garden or a suitable sized pot.