Lavender is one of those plants you just can’t get enough of—its calming scent, gorgeous purple blooms, and pollinator-friendly nature make it a garden favorite. But instead of buying new plants every season, why not multiply the ones you already have?
Propagating lavender from cuttings is surprisingly easy—and way cheaper than shopping for nursery pots. Even if you’ve never done it before, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to turn those clippings into thriving new plants.
Why Propagate Lavender from Cuttings?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.”
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🌱 Saves Money – Skip the garden center and grow dozens of plants from just one mother plant.
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🌿 Clones Your Favorite Varieties – Cuttings produce genetically identical plants, so you’ll get the same fragrance, shape, and growth habit.
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🌼 Faster Than Seeds – Lavender seeds can be slow and fussy to germinate. Cuttings root faster and bloom sooner.
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🐝 Great for Bees – More plants mean more blooms—and that means more pollinators in your yard.
When Is the Best Time to Take Lavender Cuttings?
You can take cuttings at different times of year, but your success rate depends on timing.
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Spring to early summer (softwood cuttings): Best for fast rooting.
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Late summer to early fall (semi-hardwood cuttings): More durable, with slightly slower rooting.
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Avoid winter: Lavender slows down in cold months and doesn’t root well then.
What You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you don’t need fancy tools. Here’s your simple setup:
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Sharp, clean scissors or pruners
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A healthy lavender plant
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Small pots or seed trays
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Free-draining potting mix (or a mix of sand and perlite)
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Rooting hormone (optional but helpful)
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Clear plastic bag or humidity dome
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Watering can or spray bottle
Step-by-Step: How to Propagate Lavender from Cuttings
1. Pick the Right Cutting
Choose a non-flowering stem that’s green, flexible, and about 3–4 inches long. Avoid woody or flowering stems—they’re harder to root.
2. Make a Clean Cut
Snip the stem just below a leaf node (where leaves grow from the stem). This is where roots will form.
3. Strip the Lower Leaves
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. This keeps them from rotting in the soil and encourages rooting.
4. Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional)
Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder or gel. It’s not required, but it gives your plant a head start.
5. Plant Your Cutting
Stick the cutting into moist potting mix, burying the leafless part. Press gently around the base to keep it upright.
6. Create a Mini Greenhouse
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome to trap moisture. Make sure the bag doesn’t touch the cutting.
7. Place in a Bright, Indirect Spot
Keep your cutting warm (around 65–75°F) and out of direct sunlight. Bright, indirect light works best while it roots.
8. Mist and Monitor
Mist the soil regularly to keep it moist but not soggy. Within 3–6 weeks, you should see new growth—that means roots are forming!
How to Transplant Rooted Lavender Cuttings
Once your cuttings develop strong roots and new top growth (usually after 6–8 weeks), they’re ready for a bigger home.
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Gently remove the cutting from its container, trying not to disturb the roots.
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Transplant into a larger pot with well-draining soil or straight into the garden.
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Water well, then reduce watering slightly to prevent rot.
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Harden off outdoor-bound plants by placing them outside for a few hours a day over a week before planting in full sun.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Using old, woody stems – These take forever to root, if they root at all.
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❌ Skipping drainage – Lavender hates soggy roots. Use sandy or gritty soil.
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❌ Overwatering – Keep the mix moist, not wet. Overwatering can lead to rot.
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❌ Too much direct sun – Young cuttings dry out fast. Give them filtered light until they’re established.
Final Tips for Success
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Label your cuttings if you’re working with different lavender varieties.
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Don’t give up if some cuttings fail. It’s totally normal!
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Take a few extras to improve your odds.
You Did It—Now Multiply That Lavender Love!
Once you’ve successfully rooted your first few lavender cuttings, you’ll never look at pruning the same way again. Every snip is a chance to grow more beauty, more fragrance, and more calm into your garden. Whether you want to fill a flower bed or gift a pot to a friend, propagation is your secret superpower.