If you are thinking about growing Rosemary in your home herb garden or maybe a kitchen window sill planter, you’re going to be surprised how easy it is to do. Especially so, if you already have a thriving Rosemary plant that you can use to source cuttings.
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What Is Rosemary And How Does Rosemary Grow?
Rosemary is a herbaceous perennial found in the garden, and it grows about four feet in height and four feet in width. It depends on the variation of the plants. Cultivating rosemary in pots and planters lets the gardeners bring the plants inside in the cooler weather.
Throughout the season, it helps them keep the plant healthy and growing. You can grow new rosemary plants on pots and boxes that are easily transportable outdoor in summer and inside in winter. Or, you can grow rosemary in an indoor herb garden kit and keep the plants indoor all year.
When the weather gets hot, after the rosemary plant dries off in the winter, it should be kept outside for the summer season. It generates new buds after a few weeks, and the stems and the twigs expand with denser leaves.
Now, is the right time to start new generation plants of plants. If you want to grow rosemary from cuttings, choose some fresh, green stems from the plants.
Recommended Product: The best way to grow Rosemary from cuttings is to use a full spectrum LED grow light that can help it grow faster.
Why Grow Rosemary from Cuttings?
Growing Rosemary from Cuttings has many benefits. You can try to produce your rosemary stem from cuttings instead of purchasing a new plant after a year or sprouting new seedlings from the seeds.
Rosemary Growing Tip: Early Harvest – A rosemary plant that has been rooted from cutting grows faster than a stem been planted from seeds. Rosemary seeds have a low productivity rate and require long to germinate and sprout. A rosemary stem cutting will reach harvestable size in a few months, allowing you to harvest rosemary sooner.
The Process of Growing Rosemary from Cuttings
First of all, you will have to start from a healthy, fresh plant you want to take the cuttings from. Next, you need to make sure that the plants are rooted in a place with lots of warm water temperatures but not in any direct contact with the sun.
This is called the softwood cuttings method that I am describing here. Depending on what you are trying to generate, the method for stem and branch cuttings may vary, but growing rosemary from cutting is fairly easy.
I recommend you take the cuttings in the spring season when new leaves get sprouted. Taking the cuttings in other season are also appropriate to grow rosemary. Plants that are currently blossoming must not be cultivated.
So, depending on the plant and your climate, spring or fall could both work or another time of year. Winter /Spring or any other season of the year can be appreciated for growing rosemary depending on the temperature and variant of the plant.
How Do I Know Where To Cut My Rosemary Plant?
In the beginning, you have to watch carefully to know that you’re cutting plants slightly below the junction point. This usually remains just below the leaf stem, which is currently sprouting. And it can be the base of a branch stem.
For example, Rosemary plants have merismatic cells that work to grow and create new plant components under this situation.
Once I Have Rosemary Cuttings, How Do I Plant And Grow Them?
Growing rosemary from the cuttings is a simple process. Here is the basic process.
Start with a smooth, clean cut
Choose four to six inches downwards from the apex of a fresh, young branch and do a smooth cut with a sharp blade or scissors. The leaves of rosemary remain very close to each other.
That’s why it can be taken from any place in the plant. But for the herbs and plants, make your cut just below a branching point or leaf petiole.
Remove Any Lower Leaves From Your Rosemary Cutting
Lower leaves should be removed. You can pinch or sniff them off, or, in the case of rosemary, you can just run your fingertips along the branch, and they’ll come loose.
Rooting Your Rosemary Cuttings In Water
It is fine to root the rosemary cuttings in the water. However, you have to keep changing the water regularly to prevent it from being infected with germs. For providing cuttings a burst, add a small amount of liquid saltwater to the water, or you can soak the freshly trimmed cuttings in the saltwater before submerging.
Rooting Your Rosemary Cuttings In Vermiculite Perlite
I have found that rooting the cuttings into a mixture of vermiculite perlite(50/50)can result in stronger roots and rapid growth.
Make a chamber for the leafless stem of the cutting in vermiculite and perlite and tuck the solution around the barren stem during the growing of the cuttings. Try to water thoroughly after pressing in and surrounding the surface to ensure the stem adequately connects with the mixture.
Protecting Your Rosemary Cuttings From The Elements (Even Inside)
If your apartment or the area where you are trying to grow your cuttings is cool and drafty, you have to cover them with a makeshift greenhouse to keep the heat and moisture in. Just keep an eye on the cuttings. In some conditions, too much moisture accumulates, leading to mold growth.
Then, remove the artificial houses to allow the newly planted seedling to breathe as they see fit.
Keep Your New Rosemary Cuttings Moist While They Root
Ensure that the growing pot or box remains consistently moist throughout the roots phase, which is simple when using the mixture of vermiculite and perlite.
Within three to four weeks, you may check your cuttings to see if the roots have formed or not. Dig down using your fingers and have a peek, or gently tug on your cuts.
Many people advise against using a tug test process for fear of damaging fresh, growing roots, but I’ve never faced this problem. If you don’t pull on your plants, they’ll be alright. However, if you encounter resistance, roots have likely grown, and the cuttings will be ready to be transplanted.
Conclusion
After having your desired rosemary cuttings, you can either put them in vast containers with cultivated soil or plant them on your terrace or garden. It won’t be long before you’re harvesting straight from the garden.
You have to spend a little time taking care of your rosemary plant. It is like other young plants available in the nursery or garden center. Make sure the rosemary plant gets plenty of light and water.
If you can keep the soil wet at the top is, that is highly recommendable for the new plants. The rosemary plant will gradually transcend from its container, and after that, you will be able to cultivate it straight into your garden in the coming years.
Do you have tips for growing Rosemary from cuttings? Be sure to share your experiences in the comments!
