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Growing new lavender from cuttings is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to multiply your favorite plants.
If you’ve ever wondered how to grow new lavender from cuttings, the good news is that it’s a simple process that even beginner gardeners can master.
You don’t need special equipment or a greenhouse to grow new lavender from cuttings successfully.
With a sharp pair of snips, some well-draining soil, and a little patience, you can grow new lavender from cuttings and fill your garden with that gorgeous purple blooms and calming fragrance.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grow new lavender from cuttings, the best time to take those cuttings, and the common mistakes that stop people from getting roots.
Let’s get started.
Why You Should Grow New Lavender From Cuttings
Growing new lavender from cuttings is worth your time, and here’s why:
1. It’s Faster Than Growing From Seed
When you grow new lavender from cuttings, you skip the slow germination stage entirely.
Lavender seeds can take weeks to sprout and months to reach a decent size.
Cuttings, on the other hand, root in just a few weeks and give you a plant that’s genetically identical to the parent.
That means if you have a lavender bush you absolutely love, you can grow new lavender from cuttings and get more of that exact same plant.
2. You Keep the Same Fragrance and Color
One of the best reasons to grow new lavender from cuttings is consistency.
Seeds can produce plants that vary in color, scent, and growth habit.
But when you grow new lavender from cuttings, you’re essentially cloning the mother plant.
So you know exactly what you’re getting every single time.
3. It’s Basically Free
Once you have one healthy lavender plant, you can grow new lavender from cuttings again and again without spending a dime.
You can also take cuttings from a friend’s garden or a neighbor’s bush and grow new lavender from cuttings for free.
That’s a pretty sweet deal for a plant that costs a small fortune at the nursery.
When to Take Lavender Cuttings
Timing matters if you want to grow new lavender from cuttings successfully.
The best time to take your cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Softwood cuttings taken in spring root fast, while semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer are also a solid option.
Avoid taking cuttings in the dead of winter when the plant is dormant.
If you’re growing lavender indoors, you can technically grow new lavender from cuttings almost any time of year as long as you provide warmth and light.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grow New Lavender From Cuttings
Here’s the simple process to grow new lavender from cuttings that actually works:
1. Choose a Healthy Mother Plant
Start by picking a healthy, mature lavender plant that’s free of pests and disease.
The healthier the parent, the better your chances to grow new lavender from cuttings that thrive.
2. Take the Right Cutting
Use clean, sharp scissors to cut a 4 to 6 inch stem just below a leaf node.
Make sure the cutting is from this year’s growth, not old woody stems.
Strip the leaves from the bottom two inches of the stem so you have a clean section to plant.
3. Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional)
Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone can speed things up, but it’s not mandatory.
Plenty of gardeners grow new lavender from cuttings without any hormone at all and still get great results.
4. Plant in Well-Draining Soil
Lavender hates soggy roots, so use a mix of potting soil and perlite or coarse sand.
Push the cutting about an inch into the soil and firm it gently around the stem.
If you want to grow new lavender from cuttings in water, you can, but soil tends to give stronger roots.
5. Keep the Humidity High
Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to trap moisture.
This helps the cutting stay hydrated while it works on growing roots.
Just make sure to open the bag now and then so mold doesn’t form.
6. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Place your cuttings somewhere warm with bright but indirect sunlight.
Too much direct sun can fry them before they root.
7. Wait for Roots to Form
In about three to six weeks, you’ll know you’ve successfully managed to grow new lavender from cuttings when you see new growth or feel resistance when you tug gently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Grow New Lavender From Cuttings
Even easy plants can fail if you make these mistakes:
1. Overwatering
Lavender is a Mediterranean plant that thrives in dry conditions.
If you’re trying to grow new lavender from cuttings and the soil stays wet, the stems will rot before they ever root.
2. Taking Woody Stems
Old, woody stems rarely root well.
Always use soft, green growth when you grow new lavender from cuttings.
3. Skipping Drainage
Poor drainage is a death sentence for lavender cuttings.
Make sure your pot has holes and your soil mix drains freely.
So, How Do You Grow New Lavender From Cuttings?
You grow new lavender from cuttings by taking a healthy 4 to 6 inch stem from this year’s growth, stripping the lower leaves, and planting it in well-draining soil.
With warmth, bright indirect light, and just the right amount of moisture, those cuttings will root in a few weeks.
Learning how to grow new lavender from cuttings is honestly one of the most satisfying gardening skills you can pick up.
So grab your snips, take a few cuttings, and grow new lavender from cuttings this season.
Once you see those first roots form, you’ll never buy lavender from a nursery again.