Propagating herbs from cuttings

[Inastate]

Hi there,

So I'm trying to propagate some Thyme from cuttings.

I've got both normal Thyme, Lemon Thyme and Silver Anniversary.

I currently have them in pots and most of the cuttings have failed.

I was just wondering if anybody has any tips on which conditions to keep the Thyme in for optimum results. I currently have it on a North facing window. Should I leave it where it is?

Cheers

[Jardiniere]

i have never succeeded in growing thyme from cuttings - rosemary -yes -tons of it but never thyme so cant advise ...divided a plant once - but the result was weedy - still struggling. I've decided to just buy new plants when i need them.

[Ocelot]

I managed to grow a softwood cutting from thyme last year. Just do the normal cutting below a leaf node of new growth, and keep moist.

[Inastate]

I managed to grow a softwood cutting from thyme last year. Just do the normal cutting below a leaf node of new growth, and keep moist.

In full sunlight or not?

Also, how long does it take before they grow roots?

Cheers

[Ocelot]

I would never put a cutting in full sunlight until it has established.

A few weeks or so before roots start his time of year.

[Snailfox]

I think I read that the best way to propagate Thyme is to pin down some of the low lying stems and heap a bit of soil over the pinned section, and wait for it to start rooting, then when it is strong enough remove it: hey presto new plant. I'm not sure what the technique is called, but i'm trying it myself at the moment. It's definitely a slower option, but Thyme is so fine, I think it would be hard to succeed with a 'sutting' as such. That having been said, I don't have much experience with it!

[Ocelot]

That's layering, and works quite well with some plants.