How to split creeping herbs
Discover how to split creeping herbs like Corsican mint, pennyroyal and lawn chamomile in autumn, to create more plants.
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As the weather turns colder in autumn, it's sensible to be prepared and insure your precious herbs against damage from winter cold and wet.
You can take semi-ripe cuttings from shrubby herbs such as lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) and rosemary, or divide low-growing herbs such as Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) and overwinter them in small pots, in a cold frame or cold greenhouse.
The following steps can also be used for lawn chamomile and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).
You Will Need
- Large modules or small pots
- Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
- Corsican mint
Total time: 30 minutes
Step 1
Fill modules with multi-purpose potting compost. Firm in well. Dig up some Corsican mint, or remove side shoots from a pot-grown plant and cut into sections, each with some roots attached. Cut off excess roots or top growth.
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Step 2
Gently push the roots into a hole in the compost. Back-fill with more compost and firm so that the top growth is on the surface. Water well and place in a cold greenhouse, or on a cool windowsill. Don't let the compost dry out.
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