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Gardeners' World

How to...

take lavender cuttings

Lavender cuttings in a pot

You will need:

  • Lavender plant
  • Sharp knife
  • 10cm pot
  • Multi-purpose compost
  • Rooting hormone (liquid or powder)
  • Clear polythene bags

Overview

Taking summer cuttings of lavender is so easy. Choose non-flowered shoots of this year's growth and ensure that it is free from pests and disease. Follow our simple step by step and get more of your favourite plants for free.

How to do it

  1. Removing shoots from lavender plantChoose sideshoots as cuttings, pulling these away from the main stem with a thin strip of bark, or heel, still attached.

  2. Trimming cutting with knifeThis heel is important as it is where the roots of the new plant will develop. Trim off the small flap of excess bark with a knife.

  3. Removing lower leaves from cuttingRemove the lower pairs of leaves so that the cutting has a length of bare stem that can be cleanly inserted into the compost.

  4. Inserting cuttings into compostDip the cut end of each cutting into rooting hormone. Insert several cuttings around the edge of small pots of gritty compost.

  5. Covering cuttings with polythene bagWater the compost well then cover the whole pot with a clear polythene bag to maintain a humid atmosphere around the cuttings.

  6. Placing pot of cuttings on greenhouse bench Put the pots in a warm, shaded place. Once rooting has started, cut the corner of the bag to increase ventilation. Remove the bag completely after a few weeks. Leave cuttings in place until they are well rooted, then pot up individually.

Adam's Tip

Adam's Tip

"Grow plants to a larger size before planting out in their final positions. Protect cuttings under glass or a cold frame in winter."

 

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