HOW TO TAKE cuttings

Propagation by stem cuttings is a great way to increase your stock. Most herbs take well with softwood cuttings, but semi-ripe and hardwood cuttings can be taken too. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring to early summer from the soft green tips of plants. Semi-ripe cuttings are taken in late summer when growth has slowed and the stems have become firmer. Hardwood cuttings are taken in autumn from mature woody stems.

Take cuttings in the early evening or morning when the air is cool. Choose strong, pencil-thick stems on the current season’s growth. Cut the stems into 15cm-20cm lengths. Make an angled cut above the top node and a straight cut just below the bottom node (this end is inserted in the soil). Remove any flowers, side shoots and leaves except two leaf sets at the top. To encourage rooting, dip the bottom end in rooting hormone or honey. Insert stems in a clean pot filled with propagating mix (1 part peat to 1 part coarse sand) with a third of the stem and at least two nodes above the soil surface. Maintain moisture levels until the cuttings form roots, then transplant the cuttings individually into small containers or out in the garden.