Rosemary is one of the most popular kitchen herbs. We'll show you how easy it is to propagate the aromatic subshrub yourself.
Propagating rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is generally not recommended. It simply takes too long for the seed to germinate and the tender seedlings to push themselves to the substrate surface. Under optimal conditions with high germination temperatures of 25 to 30 °C, it takes six to eight weeks for the first green to appear. So this variant is more for the patient who want to expand their stock of rosemary. If a rosemary plant already exists, it can be propagated much better and faster via cuttings. We'll show you how to do it and what you need to pay attention to.
Propagation of rosemary by cuttings
- Choosing the right time of year: Spring is usually best for propagating cuttings. At this time of year the plants sprout freshly. The tender young shoots are particularly easy to root. In addition, the higher light supply in spring favors the propagation of rosemary via cuttings. A bright and warm place on the windowsill is ideal.
- Cutting the cuttings: The shoots that serve as cuttings should have a minimum length of 5 cm, but a maximum of 10 cm. It is important to note that the shoots do not yet have any roots in the lower area - this would make rooting unnecessarily difficult and lead to reduced rooting success. Use a sharp knife to cut the cuttings. Scissors cause bruising at the cutting point, which is not conducive to the formation of new roots on the cutting.
- Choice of substrate: Special substrates are offered for the propagation of plants via cuttings. This is characterized by a low nutrient content. They also have a very airy, loose structure, which makes it easier for the delicate newly formed roots of the cutting to penetrate the pot and so tooare supplied with sufficient oxygen. It is best to first fill the substrate in propagation plates or small degradable paper pots, this saves space on the windowsill and you can still repot the small plants into a larger container after successful rooting.
- Put the" cuttings in the ground: Do not insert the cuttings too deeply into the substrate. Only the first centimeter above the cutting point should be in the substrate. If necessary, should remove the needles at this point. If they are in the substrate, they will begin to mold. After the cuttings have found their way into the substrate, water it well. You should not skimp on water here.
- Creating the perfect environment: In addition to a warm and bright place on the window sill, cuttings attach great importance to the so-called tense air. To do this, cover the propagation vessels with a transparent lid. The propagation boxes, which are available in different variations and price ranges and consist of a base and a removable lid, are practical. If you only put it in a single pot, you can also put a cut-off PET bottle over it. The following meaning is behind it: The cuttings do not yet have roots with which you can draw water from the substrate. The increased humidity, which is created with the cover, prevents too much evaporation via the rosemary needles and a threatening wilt.
- Wean the cuttings: After two to three weeks, the first roots will form on the cut rosemary cuttings. Now it's time to slowly take the spoiled young plants out of their humid comfort zone. In the long run, life-threatening fungi threaten to attack the rosemary due to the high humidity. A gentle acclimatization to the drier ambient air is advisable in order not to throw the cuttings into cold water. For example, take off the lid only at night and leave it on the plants during the day as usual. If you also take the lid down during the day, you can observe the dainty little plants a little more closely. If the tissue becomes too soft and there is a risk of sagging wilt, it is better to cover them again with the transparent lid. Alternatively, you can spray the rosemary offspring with a fine spray of water from an atomizer.
In the case of rosemary, it is better to choose the propagation overCuttings - then you can enjoy the aromatic kitchen herb earlier. If you follow all the steps, the rosemary cuttings are guaranteed to feel at home with you and will reward the care with a remarkable propagation success.