Propagating lavender: cuttings, seeds & division

Lavender can be propagated in a number of ways. Whether by cuttings, sowing or dividing - we reveal which method is best.

To the genus of Lavender (Lavandula) include many different types and varieties. However, they all multiply in a similar way. Because, contrary to what many people think, lavender is not a shrub, but a subshrub. As such, lavender naturally lignifies with age. Therefore, sooner or later you should rejuvenate your stock in order to benefit from the fragrant flowers for as long as possible. Below we introduce you to three popular methods for growing lavender. General information about the lavender we have also put it together for you here.

The most promising method for propagating Real lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Coppy lavender (Lavandula stoechas) and Co. is the propagation of cuttings. In principle, sowing is also possible, but this is very time-consuming and involves a lot of work.

Propagate lavender using cuttings

If you don't want to bother sowing lavender seeds, you can simply clone your existing plant using cuttings. This method is also known as vegetative propagation. To obtain cuttings, for example, you can use the waste that occurs when pruning in spring. To do this, cut young shoots into pieces about 15 cm long with a clean, sharp knife. Then strip off the lower leaves of the branch and place the cuttings about 10 cm deep in a nutrient-poor substrate. A peat-free potting soil such as our Plantura is ideal Organic herb & sowing soil. The soil should always be kept moist without the plant sinking into waterlogging. As a rule, the first roots form after a few weeks and the small plants can be planted individually in pots.

Basically, you can plant cuttings all year round. Cuttings that are planted in spring (end of March) can be moved outside after the ice saints in May at the latest. If you plan to plant out your lavender cuttings in late summer or autumn, you should definitely protect them from winter.

Summary: Propagate lavender using cuttings:

• Cut young shoots into pieces (about 15 cm long)
• Remove leaves in the lower area
• Insert about 10 cm deep into a nutrient-poor substrate
• Keep soil moistured
• Repot after rooting

Tip from the professional: Lignified plant parts of the lavender are no longer suitable for propagation via cuttings.

Propagate lavender by sowing

Lavender seeds are commercially available, but mostly not single-variety. Therefore it can happen that the plants from one seed pack look different. This is not a problem with isolated shrubs, but it is much more unpleasant when several plants are to grow next to each other - for example as a hedge or border. In this case, it is best to place the young plants in a separate bed and sort them out after a year.

In general, propagation via seeds is usually difficult for lavender, as special conditions are necessary for germination and growth. Lavender is a Light germs, that is, the seeds should only be lightly covered with soil. The germination time under optimal conditions is about one to two weeks, but can sometimes stretch over a few months.

For cultivation, fill small pots with our nutrient-poor Organic herb & sowing soil. If you want the plants to bloom for the first time in the same year, you should prefer lavender on the windowsill in early spring (February / March). Sufficient sunlight, moisture and a cover with cling film ensure optimal greenhouse conditions. However, you should remove the film again after four weeks at the latest. Prick the plants as soon as the first leaves appear after the cotyledons. Planting out in the garden is carried out after the last frost (late May), when the soil has already warmed up. Direct sowing in the bed is also only recommended after the ice saints in May.

Summary Propagating lavender by sowing:

• Pour nutrient-poor herb soil into pots
• Moisten with a spray bottle
• Scatter seeds loosely on the substrate and press in a little
• Cover with cling film
• Select a bright location
• Remove the foil after about four weeks
• Prick out plants
• Plant in the bed at the end of May at the earliest

Tip from the professional: Real lavender forms a lot of seeds when it is comfortable. The young plants that have emerged can then be carefully transplanted to a desired location. To do this, you should dig them up as early as possible so that they can survive the procedure.

Propagate lavender by dividing it

Perennial plants, one of which is lavender, can usually be propagated very easily by dividing the roots. To do this, lift the root ball with a spade in spring (March / April) or autumn (September) and divide it into two pieces. Then plant the parts again at a sufficient distance from each other. However, it should not be planted too densely so that the lavender plants still have enough space to grow.

However, dividing a lavender bush is only possible if it has rooted in several places in the ground. Unfortunately, the heavy lignification of older plants often makes the process even more difficult. The wounds of lignified areas caused by dividing are also favorable entry points for undesirable diseases. Propagation via cuttings is therefore much more suitable for most types of lavender.

Like your Take best care of lavender, we have summarized for you here.