Rosemary

[Greenleaves]

Hi All

a few of questions about Rosemary if you please:

My neighbour has a Rosemary bush and has offered me the chance to take cuttings should I wish. When is the right time and is it the tender stems I take. Is it just a matter of potting them and then popping them in the greehouse to root?

Will the plant be ok left on the plot or does it need protection in the winter?

Thanks

[mothhawk]

I do it like this.....

How to take rosemary cuttings - Projects: Herbs - gardenersworld.com

...except I don't use rooting hormone, they root anyway. I think they'd probably be too hot in a greenhouse, I put mine in a poly bag or covered propagator in a shady place outdoors so they don't get too hot and wilt. Put them in the GH over winter though after you've potted them on, to give them protection from the frosts while still small, and a good head start for spring.

[Greenleaves]

Thanks Mothhawk, most useful

[teakdesk]

I've just done some like that and used the plastic bag to cover method and they all rotted!

I normally just use seed; it is quite easy.

[Thelma Sanders]

I've just potted on 4 small rooted plants after doing the pot/plastic bag thing, they were just left on the kitchen window ledge

[Noosner]

I've just grown three new cuttings by taking stems about 9cm high, stripping off the bottom leaves then leaving them in a glass of water on the windowsill for a few weeks.

The stems have developed roots and I'll shortly plant them in compost. Have been doing it this way for yonks and never had any problems.

[Nicos]

I've just done some like that and used the plastic bag to cover method and they all rotted!

I normally just use seed; it is quite easy.

rotted???..too warm and damp perhaps???

I really am no expert ... but this year I took cuttings back in March from soft wood - and rooting powder- then left them well watered, in the shade, and frost free outdoors and 95% of them have rooted and still looking very healthy.
Tis the first time I have been successful!!

...and so- in this hotter/dryer month I am now thinking of doing the same with more rosemary, sage and lavender!

good luck GL...let us know how you get on eh??

[Nicos]

Oh- and I forgot to add..If mine did well outdoors in March ( protected from frost)...then I think you stand a better chance with them NOT in the greenhouse??...just a random thought for a Tuesday evening!

[veggiechicken]

I do them in water and in compost, same treatment for lavender too.
Just take some new growth, strip off the bottom half of the leaves and stick the stems in compost, or water, up to the level of the remaining leaves.
I don't use rooting powder or plastic bags

[Greenleaves]

Thank all, excellent advice as always

[Noosner]

I do them in water and in compost, same treatment for lavender too.
Just take some new growth, strip off the bottom half of the leaves and stick the stems in compost, or water, up to the level of the remaining leaves.
I don't use rooting powder or plastic bags

Am trying the same technique with lavender and thyme now!

[Noosner]

Didn't know it worked with lavender also, VC. Am trying it now, also with thyme!