Learning how to propagate rosemary not only offers a reliable method of growing your rosemary but also ensures that you have a constant source of the herb all year round.

From selecting healthy rosemary plants to propagating them correctly with water or soil. We’ll show you how to maximize your returns with this peppery evergreen shrub.

With our complete guide on how to propagate rosemary techniques, it has never been easier. So let’s get started.

What does rosemary look like?

Rosemary is a stunning herb with its narrow, needle-like leaves and deep green hue. 

It’s relatively compact, typically growing between one and two feet tall. 

Plus, the plant is tolerant of drier soils and can easily be grown in containers or indoors. 

The aroma of rosemary is just as inviting as its appearance. It’ll fill any kitchen or garden with a citrusy scent.

What is the best time of year to take rosemary cuttings?

The best time of year to take rosemary cuttings is late spring and early summer when the new shoots are still tender and pliable but not yet wilting in the heat of the day. 

This is because the shoots will be strong enough to survive the process of being cut, and are less likely to become infected compared to cuttings taken during other times of the year. 

During late spring and early summer, the plant is in a period of active growth and thus provides ample material for propagation.

Benefits of growing rosemary plants from stem cuttings

1. Cost savings

Growing rosemary plants from stem cuttings is an economical and easy way of propagating rosemary plants. 

This method requires minimal material investment. As all one needs are some gardening tools and a few pieces of healthy rosemary stems. 

The propagation process itself is straightforward, which makes it suitable for novice gardeners and experienced growers alike. 

In comparison to the traditional methods of growing, such as seed sowing or layering, taking stem cuttings requires significantly less effort and time. 

2. Maintain the quality traits

Taking rosemary cuttings from an existing plant allows for the preservation of desirable traits. Such as aroma intensity or plant size. 

This means that by simply snipping off a piece from an existing mother plant and planting it elsewhere, a gardener can expect results similar to the parent plant in terms of its appearance and qualities.

3. Increase the success rates of growing

Growing rosemary from stems guarantees great success rates since no genetic mutations happen during the process of rooting the cutting. 

Unlike when sowing seeds, where germination may not always be successful, due to environmental factors or incorrect seed storage or processing techniques used by seed producers. 

4. Boost productivity

Rosemary stem cuttings root quickly, allowing for additional harvests within a short period when compared to other types of propagation techniques like layering or division. 

This makes them ideal for those who want to expand their garden rapidly without having to wait too long between each crop cycle. 

Furthermore, since their fast-growing nature, the resulting plants can be ready for transplanting within weeks after being potted up into their containers or planted into the ground directly. 

Therefore allowing for faster establishment in a desired environment than if grown through other methods available in horticulture today. 

5. Eliminate disease spreading

Growing roses from stem cuttings also eliminate diseases spread by soilborne pathogens which may be present in bought seeds or infected adult plants.

This ensures that only healthy specimens make it into one’s garden, thus reducing the need for pest control measures down the line once they are established (as well as saving money on treatments). 

Additionally, these plants have been grown under ideal conditions in controlled environments such as greenhouses before being sold commercially. 

They will likely require less maintenance once transplanted outdoors than those started from seed. 

All of these make them the perfect choice both for beginners who wish to keep their workload at bay while still producing beautiful gardens.

How to propagate rosemary from cuttings?

Step 1. Gather the necessary materials. 

Before starting, make sure to have a pair of clean and sharp pruning shears. 

A fresh cutting of rosemary that is at least 6 inches long with several healthy leaves. 

A pot filled with moist soil, or a small container filled with water and rooting hormone. 

Step 2. Choose the ideal rosemary cutting. 

Look for cuttings that are disease-free and have plenty of new growth as they will be more likely to take root easily. 

Avoid woody stems as these may not root well. 

Prune off any flowers since they can dry up the cutting’s resources faster and impair its ability to grow. 

Step 3. Prepare the cutting for planting. 

Remove any lower leaves from the stem and trim off about 2 inches from the tip. 

So there will be enough space for roots to form later on when placed in water or soil. 

You can dip your cutting in rooting hormone if desired but this is not necessary for the successful propagation of rosemary from cuttings. 

Step 4. Plant your cutting in either soil or water, depending on your preference and the availability of materials in hand. 

If you opt for using soil, fill your pot or container with moist potting mix before planting cutting around 1 inch deep into it. 

If you choose to use water instead, simply place your prepared stem into a cup filled with room-temperature water. 

And making sure most of its stem is submerged leaving only its leaves exposed to air. 

After planting, give it plenty of light but not direct sunlight. Since too much heat can dry out the cuttings quickly. 

Causing them to die off before they can take root properly. 

Step 5. Monitor progress daily and provide adequate care while it is propagating. 

Make sure that your soil-based cuttings are kept adequately moist as well as free from weeds. 

Also ensure that too much moisture is not left on the surface, which can cause fungal diseases to attack newly formed roots under the surface, slowly killing them before they can properly take hold in their new environment.

On the other hand, if you choose a water-based propagation method, make sure you change the water every few days or every day.

This is because stagnant water can lead to the growth of unwanted bacteria. Again leading to the death of young roots growing in this environment due to lack of oxygen and contamination by unknown microorganisms living in the old silt.

In addition, look for signs such as wilting or yellowing.

These signs may indicate a lack of nutrients or high water content, respectively.

If you notice these signs early, you need to pay attention to them immediately.

This will give you time to save your seedlings without causing them too much damage.

Step 6. Transplant your rosemary into a larger pot.

Finally, after a few weeks (sometimes months, depending on environmental conditions), when either end starts showing visible white roots emerging through potting mix surface or glass cup walls respectively. 

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off. 

The time now comes carefully remove the newly formed baby rosemary plant gently from either its nursery bed, soil, or water.

And then transplant it into a larger container filled with fresh fertile potting mix ready for further growth and development into a mature healthy plant.

Is it better to root cuttings in water or soil?

It is generally better to root cuttings in soil rather than water. 

This is because the soil provides stability and support for the cutting, which helps it to develop a stronger, healthier root system. 

Water, while it will cause some plants to root, can lead to rot or mildew if not monitored closely. 

The soil also offers trace minerals and nutrients that are essential for the proper growth of the cutting. 

It also provides an ideal environment for beneficial bacteria and fungi which help with nutrient uptake and water retention. 

Sand or perlite can be used when rooting cuttings, especially those that require excellent drainage, but potting mix offers the best overall benefits for most rooting projects.

Conclusion

Now that we have explored the various techniques to propagate rosemary, it is clear that this amazing smell-good herb is not difficult to maintain. 

Further, many of the recommended methods are cost-effective, and reliable and make rosemary propagation enjoyable. 

The trick lies in following your instinct and applying the most suitable method for the successful propagation of your Rosemary plant. 

With the basics covered here, you can experiment with additional propagation strategies and options too. 

Ultimately, whether a novice or seasoned green thumb, propagating rosemary need not be an ordeal if one follows a few simple steps. 

Maybe someday you will even teach someone else how to propagate rosemary successfully.