How to Propagate Lavender Plant From Cuttings – Complete Guide

Propagating plants is a rewarding experience, as you grow a new plant from the existing one for free.

Lavender is prominent in aromatherapy, where it is used to reduce stress. Its vibrant-colored flowers elevate the aesthetic appearance of your space.

You can grow lavender plants in raised garden beds or in a container.

If you’re looking to multiply this plant, propagating through stem cuttings is one of the common and easiest ways.

Choose a stem cutting free from flowers. Remove lower leaves and dip the cutting in a rooting hormone to fasten the rotting process. Now, plant the stem cutting in nutrient-rich potting soil.

After propagation, continue to take proper care of the lavender plant till it reaches a certain height.

Though this process is simple, common mistakes like over-watering and prolonged exposure to sunlight can ruin the propagation.

In this write-up, I’ll share a detailed guide on growing lavender plants from cutting.

How Do You Propagate a Lavender Plant from Cuttings in Soil?

Cut the lavender stem when the plant is actively growing. The best time for propagation is late spring or early summer.

You can also propagate this plant in fall or winter, but it needs extra care to keep it warm.

Choose a semi-hardwood stem—neither too soft nor entirely woody—because these have the best chance of developing strong roots.

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Lavender Plant

1. Choose Healthy Stem for Cutting

When selecting a lavender stem for propagation, look for healthy, non-flowering growth. Flowering stems put their energy into blooming rather than root formation, making them less effective for propagation. Stems that mix green and woody textures (semi-hardwood) provide the best results.

A good cutting should be about 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long and come from a vigorous, pest-free plant. Avoid too soft and flexible stems, as they may rot before establishing roots.

Also Read: 17 Lavender Companion Plants to Grow in Garden

2. Cutting the Stem Properly

Make a clean, diagonal cut just below a leaf node using a sharp, sterilized pair of pruning shears or scissors. This node is where new roots will develop, so cutting just below it maximizes the chances of successful propagation.

Once cut, remove the lower two-thirds of the leaves, leaving a bare stem at the bottom. This prevents excess moisture loss and encourages the plant to focus on root development rather than maintaining foliage.

3. Preparing the Cuttings for Planting

If there are any flower buds or blooms on the cutting, trim them off. This helps direct the plant’s energy toward root formation rather than flowering. Removing flowers is especially important because blooms can cause stress on a cutting with no established roots.

Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel to improve rooting success. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it speeds up root growth and increases survival rates. Before planting, allow the cuttings to air dry for about one hour to reduce the risk of rot.

4. Preparing the Soil for Planting

Lavender requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A light, airy mix works best, such as a combination of potting soil, perlite, and sand. This soil type provides good aeration while retaining enough moisture for root development.

Fill small pots or a seedling tray with the prepared soil mix. Before planting the cuttings, the soil should be moist but not soggy. Overly wet soil can lead to fungal issues and rot, so ensure the mixture drains well.

5. Planting the Lavender Cuttings

Make small holes in the soil using a pencil or stick before inserting the cuttings. This prevents damage to the delicate stem when placing it in the pot. Gently insert the cutting about 2 inches deep, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried. These nodes will develop into roots.

Once placed in the soil, press lightly around the base of the cutting to provide stability. Be careful not to compact the soil too much, as roots need space to grow and spread.

6. Providing Proper Care for Rooting

Keep the soil lightly moist at all times, but avoid over-watering. Too much water can cause the cutting to rot. To maintain humidity, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place it in a propagator, but ensure there is some airflow to prevent mold growth.

Place the cuttings in a bright, warm area with indirect sunlight. Direct sun can dry them out too quickly, reducing their chances of survival. If the air is dry, mist the cuttings lightly every few days to help them stay hydrated.

7. Monitoring Root Development

Roots typically start forming within 3–6 weeks. To check if roots have developed, gently tug on the cutting. If there is resistance, it means roots are beginning to grow. Patience is key, as some cuttings take longer than others to establish.

If a cutting begins to wilt or turn black, it may not have adequately rooted. In this case, remove the unhealthy cutting and continue caring for the others.

Also Read: 12 Common Lavender Plant Growing Mistakes to Avoid

8. Transplanting the Rooted Cuttings

Once the cuttings have a well-developed root system, they can be moved to larger pots or directly into the garden. Before transplanting, gradually expose them to more sunlight daily to help them adjust to outdoor conditions.

Choose a planting site with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Space the new lavender plants about 12–18 inches apart to allow room for growth and airflow.  Your propagated lavender plants will thrive and produce fragrant blooms for years with proper care.

How to Propagate Lavender Cuttings in Water?

If you’re looking to grow lavender without soil, water propagation is an alternative method.

This also allows us to monitor root growth easily, requiring minimal care.

Additionally, water propagation reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases and provides a gentle environment for cuttings to develop roots.

However, water-grown roots tend to be more fragile than those grown in soil, making the transition to soil slightly challenging.

Some cuttings may take longer to root, and not all will survive the transplanting process.

But, despite this, propagating lavender in water is still an easy and rewarding way to multiply your lavender plant.

1. Prepare the stem cutting

As discussed above, choose a healthy lavender stem for propagation.

Cut a 4–6 inch (10–15 cm) long stem below a leaf node using a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears.

A clean cut ensures better water absorption and reduces the risk of rot. It’s best to select semi-hardwood stems, which are neither too soft nor too woody, as they have a higher chance of successful root development.

Optionally, the rooting hormone can be applied for faster rooting.

2. Placing the Cuttings in Water

Fill a clean glass or jar with room-temperature, filtered, or de-chlorinated water to prevent chemicals from harming the cutting. Submerge the bottom two nodes in the water, where roots will begin to grow.

Place the jar in a bright, warm location with indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the cuttings in direct sun, as excessive heat can stress them. Change the water every 2–3 days to keep it fresh and prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to rot.

3. Monitoring Root Growth

Roots typically begin forming within 2–4 weeks, though some cuttings may take longer. Look for thin, white root structures growing from the submerged nodes. If the water becomes cloudy or has an unpleasant smell, replace it immediately to maintain a clean environment.

Not all cuttings will root successfully. If a cutting turns black or becomes mushy, it has likely rotted and should be removed. Healthy cuttings will continue to develop longer roots, and you may also see new leaf growth.

4. Transplanting Rooted Cuttings to Soil

Once the roots reach at least 2 inches (5 cm) in length, the cutting is ready for transplanting into soil. Prepare a well-draining potting mix, ideally a blend of potting soil, sand, and perlite, to ensure proper aeration and prevent water retention.

Carefully transfer the rooted cutting into a small pot, covering the roots gently with soil. Water lightly to help it settle in its new environment. To avoid transplant shock, gradually introduce the plant to direct sunlight over a few days, ensuring it adapts to new conditions.

How to Care for a Lavender Plant After Propagation?

Proper care is essential for healthy growth and long-term survival once your lavender cuttings have successfully rooted and been transplanted into soil.

Lavender is a hardy plant, but young cuttings require extra attention to ensure they establish well. Providing the right conditions can help your propagated lavender thrive and eventually produce fragrant blooms.

Choosing the Right Location

Lavender thrives in full sun, so place your newly propagated plants in a spot where they will receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

If growing indoors, position them near a bright, south-facing window or use grow lights to supplement natural light. Lack of sunlight can lead to weak, leggy growth and reduced fragrance.

Watering Carefully

Young lavender plants need consistent but moderate watering. In the first few weeks after transplanting, water lightly every few days to moisten the soil. However, lavender does not tolerate over-watering, and soggy soil can lead to root rot.

Once the plant becomes established after a few weeks, reduce watering to once every seven to ten days, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Mature lavender plants are drought-tolerant and prefer deep but infrequent watering rather than frequent light watering.

Providing Well-Draining Soil

Lavender thrives in light, sandy, or rocky soil with excellent drainage. If planted in pots, use a well-draining mix of soil, sand, and perlite to prevent water retention. Avoid heavy, clay-based soil, which can hold too much moisture and suffocate the roots.

For outdoor planting, amend garden soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage. Lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, so adding a small amount of lime can help maintain optimal conditions.

Fertilizing Properly

Lavender does not require heavy fertilization, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

If needed, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer sparingly in the spring. You can also use a diluted organic compost tea or a mild fish emulsion every few months.

Avoid over-fertilizing, which can weaken the plant and reduce its natural fragrance. If growing in poor soil, a light feeding once or twice a year is enough.

Pruning for Healthy Growth

Pruning helps maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourages more flowering. When the lavender plant is more potent, pinch off the top one inch of new growth about two to three months after propagation. This encourages branching and prevents the plant from becoming too tall and spindly.

Once the plant fully matures after the first year, prune lightly every spring by cutting back about one-third of the plant’s growth. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems, as they may not regrow.

Protecting from Harsh Weather

Lavender is a Mediterranean plant that prefers warm, dry conditions. If you live in a colder climate, protect young plants from frost by moving potted lavender indoors or covering garden plants with a breathable fabric.

During hot summers, ensure the plant is not overexposed to intense heat by providing light shade in extreme temperatures. However, avoid keeping the soil too moist, as lavender prefers drier conditions.

Pest and Disease Prevention

Due to its strong fragrance, lavender is naturally resistant to most pests. However, young plants can sometimes attract spider mites or aphids. If you notice pests, spray the plant with a mild soap solution or rinse it with water.

To prevent fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants twelve to eighteen inches apart and avoiding excessive humidity. Root rot is the most common problem with lavender, so always prioritize well-draining soil and moderate watering.

Conclusion

Propagating lavender is an excellent way to multiply your gardening collections without purchasing new plants.

You can propagate plant cuttings in soil or water. However, once the root appears, you should transplant the cutting to a pot filled with nutrient-rich potting soil.

Choose potting soil that drains well and retains the required moisture.

You can use rotting hormones like cinnamon to increase the propagation success rate.

After propagation, take proper care to enhance bushy growth and blooming.