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You can grow new lavender from cuttings, and it’s one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to multiply your favorite plants.
If you’ve ever snipped a stem from a healthy lavender bush and wondered if it would root, the answer is a resounding yes.
Growing new lavender from cuttings lets you clone the exact plant you love, whether it’s a fragrant English lavender or a tough hybrid.
The process is simple, but timing and technique matter if you want strong roots.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grow new lavender from cuttings, from taking the right snip to potting up your new plants.
Let’s dig in.
How to Grow New Lavender from Cuttings Successfully
Growing new lavender from cuttings starts with choosing the right stem at the right time.
The best time to take lavender cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
You can also take cuttings in early fall if you live in a mild climate, but spring gives roots the longest warm season to establish.
Here’s what you need to know to grow new lavender from cuttings that actually take root.
1. Pick a Healthy, Non-Flowering Stem
The ideal cutting comes from a stem that hasn’t flowered yet.
Look for soft, flexible new growth that’s about 4 to 6 inches long.
Avoid woody old stems, as they root much more slowly, if at all.
If you see a flower bud, pinch it off so the plant puts energy into roots instead of blooms.
2. Take the Cutting with Clean, Sharp Tools
Use sharp scissors or pruners that have been wiped with rubbing alcohol.
Cut just below a leaf node, which is the bump where leaves attach to the stem.
That node is where new roots will emerge, so a clean cut there is crucial for growing new lavender from cuttings.
Strip the leaves from the bottom two inches of the stem, leaving a few sets of leaves at the top.
3. Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional but Helpful)
Lavender can root without hormone, but a dip in rooting powder or gel speeds things up.
Pour a little hormone into a separate cup so you don’t contaminate the whole container.
Dip the cut end into the powder, tap off the excess, and you’re ready to plant.
This step gives your lavender cuttings a strong head start.
Best Conditions for Growing New Lavender from Cuttings
Once your cuttings are prepped, the environment you provide determines success.
Lavender hates soggy roots, so drainage and airflow are everything.
Here’s how to set them up for strong growth.
1. Use a Gritty, Well-Draining Mix
A mix of half perlite and half peat or coco coir works beautifully.
You can also use coarse sand mixed with potting soil.
The goal is a medium that holds a little moisture but lets excess water run right through.
Never use heavy garden soil for cuttings, as it stays wet and causes rot.
2. Plant in Small Pots or Trays
Stick each cutting about an inch deep into the mix.
Space them so leaves don’t touch, which helps prevent mildew.
You can root several cuttings in a single tray, but individual pots make transplanting easier.
Either way, growing new lavender from cuttings works best when they have room to breathe.
3. Keep Humidity High but Not Wet
Lavender cuttings need moist air to keep from drying out before roots form.
Cover the tray with a clear plastic dome or a plastic bag with a few holes poked in it.
Mist the cuttings lightly every few days, and keep the soil barely damp.
If you see mold, remove the cover for a few hours to let air circulate.
4. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Place your cuttings where they get plenty of light but no harsh afternoon sun.
A bright windowsill or a spot under grow lights works perfectly.
Too much direct sun can cook them under the plastic dome, while too little light slows rooting.
Aim for 12 to 14 hours of gentle light each day.
Caring for Your New Lavender Cuttings Until They Root
Patience is the name of the game when growing new lavender from cuttings.
Most cuttings root in three to six weeks, depending on the variety and conditions.
Here’s how to tell they’ve rooted and what to do next.
1. Tug Gently to Test for Roots
After about three weeks, give a cutting a very gentle tug.
If it resists, roots have formed.
If it pulls out easily, give it more time.
You can also look for new leaf growth, which is a good sign that roots are working.
2. Harden Them Off Gradually
Once rooted, remove the plastic cover for longer periods each day.
Start with one hour, then two, until they’re fully exposed after a week.
This hardens them off so they can handle normal indoor or outdoor air.
Skipping this step can shock your new lavender plants.
3. Pot Up into Larger Containers
When roots fill the small pot, move each cutting into a 4-inch pot with gritty soil.
Water well, then let the top inch dry out before watering again.
Keep them in a sheltered spot until they’re sturdy enough to plant in the garden.
Growing new lavender from cuttings at this stage is just about consistent care.
So, How to Grow New Lavender from Cuttings?
You grow new lavender from cuttings by taking a healthy non-flowering stem, dipping it in rooting hormone, and planting it in a well-draining mix under bright, indirect light.
Keep humidity high, soil barely moist, and wait for roots to form in three to six weeks.
With a little patience, you’ll have dozens of new lavender plants for free.
So grab your pruners and give it a try.