There’s something wonderfully grounding about the scent of rosemary. Whether I’m brushing past it in the garden or clipping a sprig for a recipe, it never fails to put a smile on my face. So, when I realised I could grow more rosemary from just one plant, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. Propagating rosemary from stem cuttings felt like a bit of gardening magic—and it’s surprisingly easy once you know how to do it.
The first time I attempted propagation, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing. I’d read a few guides and watched some videos, but I couldn’t help but wonder, Would it actually work? Spoiler: it did. Watching those little cuttings grow roots and turn into thriving plants was pure joy. Here’s how you can do it too.
Step 1: Pick the Perfect Parent Plant
It all starts with a healthy, established rosemary plant. I have a rosemary bush in my garden that’s been growing strong for years. Every time I walk past it, I can’t help running my fingers through the aromatic leaves—it’s practically calling out to be shared.
My Tip
Choose a plant that looks vibrant, with firm stems and plenty of lush leaves. Avoid anything looking scraggly or stressed. After all, you want the cuttings to have the best possible start.
Step 2: Snip Your Cuttings
This is the fun part—getting your hands dirty and snipping off the stems. The first time I did this, I felt a bit guilty, like I was hurting my plant. But rosemary is resilient, and pruning actually encourages it to grow bushier.
How to Do It
- Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut a few healthy stems.
- Aim for cuttings about 10–15cm long.
- Snip just below a leaf node (the spot where the leaves grow out).
I usually take a few extra cuttings, just in case some don’t root. It’s better to have too many than not enough!
Step 3: Strip the Lower Leaves
Once you’ve got your cuttings, you’ll need to remove the leaves from the lower part of the stems. The idea is to expose the part that will sit in water or soil, giving the roots space to grow.
My Experience
This step feels a bit fiddly at first, but it’s oddly satisfying. I use my fingers to gently pinch off the leaves, leaving the top few intact. The bare section should be about 4–5cm long.
Step 4: Choose Your Rooting Method
Now comes the decision: water or soil? Both methods work, but I’ve found water propagation to be the most rewarding because you can actually see the roots developing.
Water Propagation
- Place the cuttings in a jar of water, ensuring the bare stems are submerged but the leaves stay dry.
- Put the jar in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Watching those first little roots appear is like witnessing a small miracle. Every time I noticed new growth, I’d get ridiculously excited and show my family—whether they cared or not!
Soil Propagation
If you prefer soil, plant the cuttings directly into a pot filled with light, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect.
Step 5: Be Patient
Here’s the part that tested me the most: waiting. It can take a couple of weeks for roots to appear, and during that time, it’s hard not to peek at the cuttings constantly.
My Rooting Journey
I’d check my jar of water every morning, hoping for a sign of roots. When they finally appeared—tiny, white, and delicate—I felt like I’d won the gardening lottery.
Step 6: Transplant Your Cuttings
Once the roots are about 2–3cm long (or if your soil cuttings start showing new growth), it’s time to transplant them into individual pots.
How I Did It
I used small pots filled with well-draining potting mix, made a hole with my finger, and gently planted each rooted cutting. Seeing them standing tall in their new homes felt incredibly satisfying.
Step 7: Care for Your New Plants
The hard part is over, but your young rosemary plants still need a bit of TLC. Place them in a sunny spot, water them lightly, and let them settle in. After a few weeks, they’ll be strong enough to move to the garden or a larger pot.
My Routine
I check on my rosemary babies daily, giving them a light mist of water if the soil feels dry. Watching them grow into sturdy, fragrant plants never gets old.
Why Propagate Rosemary?
For me, propagating rosemary is about more than just having extra plants. It’s about the joy of creating something new from something you already have. It’s about sharing—passing on cuttings to friends and family or adding fresh greenery to the garden. And, of course, it’s about that wonderful aroma and the endless culinary possibilities.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never propagated rosemary before, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s simple, rewarding, and gives you a real sense of accomplishment. Plus, there’s something special about cooking with rosemary you’ve grown yourself—it makes every meal feel a bit more personal.
So, grab your scissors, find a sunny spot, and give it a try. Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving rosemary collection—and maybe even a few extra plants to share with loved ones.