Gardening tips: Expert on how to grow lavender at home
Taking cuttings from lavender plants means that gardeners can make new plants to populate different areas of the garden.
Some may even choose to propagate lavender plants to give away to family and friends or even to sell them if they’re thriving.
Lavender is one of the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings meaning gardeners can grow many plants for “free”, ideal for keeping costs down in the garden.
Tim Marshall, head gardener at Raby Castle and Estate, told Express.co.uk: “The best time to take lavender cuttings is in the summer when the plant is actively growing.
“Look for non-flowering, healthy stems that are green and have no signs of disease or pet damage.
Lavenders are popular garden plants, which can last many years when cared for correctly. To help one plant go even further, a gardening expert has shared how to take cuttings.
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“Using clean and sharp secateurs or a knife, take a cutting that is around three to four inches long. Make the cut just below a leaf node, and remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting.”
After gardeners have snipped the flower off, dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder to promote root development, making sure to shake any excess powder off.
Next, insert the lower half of the cutting into a pot or tray filled with well-draining soil or a mixture of perlite and peat moss.
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The expert recommended keeping the remaining leaves above the soil line.
Tim added: “Place the pot or tray in a location with indirect sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
“You can cover the cuttings with a plastic bag or use a propagation dome to create a humid environment for better rooting.
“After a few weeks, the cuttings should start forming roots. Once the roots are around one to two inches long, carefully transfer them into individual pots or directly into the garden.
“Finally, remember to water your lavender cuttings regularly but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.”
Gardeners can also keep their plants healthy by pruning them once the flowers start to fade.
Depending on the variety, this can be anytime between mid-summer and the end of summer so make sure to keep tracking them.
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