Rosemary is one of those herbs that wants to be shared ๐ฟโand propagating it is surprisingly easy. If youโve got one healthy plant, you can turn it into many with just a little patience.
How to Propagate Rosemary (Step-by-Step)
What youโll need:
- A healthy rosemary plant
- Clean scissors or garden snips
- A small jar of water or a pot with well-draining soil
- Optional: rooting hormone (not required)
1. Take a Cutting
Choose a soft, flexible stem (new growth works best). Snip a 4โ6 inch piece just below a leaf node. Avoid woody, brown stemsโtheyโre slower to root.
2. Prep the Cutting
Strip the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem. This is where roots will form. Keep the top leaves intact.
3. Root It (Two Easy Methods)
Water Method (great for beginners):
Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure no leaves sit below the water line. Set it in a bright spot with indirect light. Change the water every few days. Roots usually appear in 2โ4 weeks.
Soil Method (stronger roots long-term):
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional), then plant it into a small pot filled with well-draining soil. Lightly water and keep the soil slightly moistโnot soggy.
4. Give It the Right Environment
Rosemary loves warmth and light. Place cuttings near a sunny window or under grow lights. Avoid harsh, direct sun until roots form.
5. Transplant & Grow
Once roots are about 1โ2 inches long, transplant water-rooted cuttings into soil. After a few weeks, youโll have a sturdy new rosemary plant ready for the garden or a sunny windowsill.
Pro Tip ๐ฑ
Spring and early summer are the best times to propagate rosemary, but indoor propagation works year-round if your plant is healthy.
Before you know it, youโll have enough rosemary for cooking, gifting, and maybe even a little herbal magic โจ