How to Propagate Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
| Methods | Stem cutting |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Best season | Summer |
| Time to root | 6–8 weeks |
| Group | Herb |
Rosemary is one of the slower and less forgiving herbs to root from cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings — new growth that has just begun to firm up, not fully soft and not fully woody — root far more reliably than either soft new tips or old woody stems.
Stem cutting
- Take a 3–4 inch cutting from semi-hardwood growth.
- Strip the lower two-thirds of leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a sandy, fast-draining mix.
- Keep barely moist — this plant rots easily if kept too wet.
When to propagate
Summer, when semi-hardwood growth is available.
Common problems
Most cuttings failed or rotted. Normal — rosemary has a lower success rate than most herbs. Take several cuttings and use a sandy, well-draining mix.
Cutting dried out and crisped. Too little humidity; a loose plastic cover helps without overwatering.
Questions people ask
Why is rosemary harder to root than basil or mint? Its woody, drought- adapted growth habit is naturally slower to form new roots than soft-stemmed herbs.
Related
Soil & cutting methods hub · Similar plants: Lavender, Sage, Thyme