Add More Fresh Rosemary to Your Life: How to Grow Rosemary from Cuttings!
Growing rosemary from cuttings is not only incredibly easy but also a smart way to save money and ensure you have an abundant supply of fresh herbs. Imagine having a flourishing rosemary plant in your garden without the hassle of growing from seeds! Let’s dive into this simple yet effective method to expand your rosemary garden.
Selecting Healthy Rosemary Cuttings
To start, you’ll need to select healthy rosemary cuttings. Look for vibrant green stems that are free from pests and diseases. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
How to Grow Rosemary from Cuttings
Rebecca says it best: “Such an easy gardening tip! This saves money over buying new plants and time as you aren’t growing from seed.” Rosemary can be a bit tricky to grow from seed, but propagating it from cuttings? That’s a game-changer! Once you know how to grow rosemary from cuttings in water, you can keep expanding your herb garden for free. Yes, you read that right – for FREE!
What You’ll Need to Grow Rosemary Cuttings
You’ll just need a few simple things to get started:
- Healthy Rosemary Clippings from a Main Rosemary Plant
- Small Jar or Glass
- Fresh Water
How to Grow Rosemary from Cuttings (It Works!)
Here’s how to grow your rosemary cuttings into thriving plants:
- Select the Cuttings: Choose clippings from the newer green growth. Older, woodier stems don’t root as easily.
- Prepare the Cuttings: Remove leaves from the bottom half of each clipping.
- Place in Water: Put the stems in a small jar of water and place them in a well-lit spot. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
- Wait for Roots: After a few weeks, roots will start to form. Mine usually start around the two-week mark.
- Transplant: Once you have a cluster of strong roots, transplant the cuttings into pots of soil or directly into your garden.
Caring for Your Cuttings
Rosemary cuttings need bright, indirect sunlight and a humid environment to thrive. Mist the cuttings regularly and cover them with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure the cuttings are kept at a consistent temperature of around 70°F (21°C).
Transplanting Rooted Cuttings
After 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should develop roots. When the roots are a few inches long, it’s time to transplant them. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or a large pot with well-draining soil. Gently plant the rooted cuttings, ensuring they are at the same depth they were in the rooting medium.
Maintaining Your Rosemary Plants
To keep your rosemary plants healthy, provide them with full sun and well-draining soil. Water the plants deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Prune the plants regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent them from becoming woody. Harvest the leaves as needed, but avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time.
How Do You Make Rosemary Bushier?
To grow bushier rosemary plants, always snip or pinch just above the leaf nodes. This will cause the plant to grow two new stems from the point of the cut, resulting in a fuller, bushier plant.
What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Rosemary Propagation Trick
- J: “I love the smell of rosemary and the benefits it offers. Thank you for sharing this propagation method!”
- Rebecca: “Such an easy gardening tip! This saves money over buying new plants and time as you aren’t growing from seed.”
How To Use Fresh Rosemary
Fresh rosemary is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to use it:
- Lemon Stovetop Potpourri: This homemade potpourri, made right on your stovetop, is a fabulous way to use your garden-fresh rosemary. Try this Lemon Rosemary Vanilla Simmer Pot for a lovely natural air freshener in your home!
- Rosemary Dutch Oven Bread: Add rosemary from your garden to this delicious fresh-baked bread recipe. It’s surprisingly easy to make!
- Drying Fresh Rosemary: Save money on herbs with this easy trick for drying fresh rosemary in just 60 seconds.
Conclusion
Growing rosemary from cuttings is a simple, cost-effective way to enjoy this aromatic herb year-round. With these easy steps, you can become your own herb-growing genius and have an endless supply of fresh rosemary. Whether you’re cooking, baking, or making natural air fresheners, fresh rosemary from your garden will elevate your home and kitchen.