If you are starting out growing herbs it is a good idea to buy seedlings from a good garden centre. After a while you might want to grow some of your own herbs from cuttings. This is very rewarding and not hard to do.
The best time to do this is in the spring.
For cuttings I use the same mixture as described in my post about growing seeds, that is 50/50 Coir and Perlite, it retains the moisture nicely.
15cm plant pots are ideal for growing the cuttings in as five or six cuttings can be put into each pot with enough room between them and enough depth for growth. The pot also has sufficient drainage holes.
Take the cuttings after everything is prepared, otherwise they could dry out. If that is not possible keep them in water till you are ready.
Fill the plant pots with the Coir/Perlite mixture, firm the mixture down and water well. Then make holes in the mixture, evenly spaced ready for the cuttings to be planted. A pencil, end of a small paint brush or small stick are examples of what can be used.
For your cuttings choose the soft new growth from the ends of a healthy plant using pruners or a sharp knife. Cut around 10cm in length just below a leaf node. Gently remove lower leaves from your cutting. Plant the cuttings at a depth of about a third of the cutting. I generally dip the end in some honey. It promotes root growth and can guard against bacteria problems.
Then water the pot thoroughly. It is important to keep the mixture moist.
To keep the cuttings warm and moist it is a good idea to place the pot in a plastic bag, sealing the top with some garden twine. Then place it in a sheltered spot out of direct sunlight, opening it occasionally for air circulation.
When new growth appears the roots have started to form. This is the time to start opening the bag for longer periods until the bag can be removed altogether and then the cuttings can be planted in individual pots in good potting soil.
Cuttings taken in spring can produce new growth in a couple of months depending on the type of herb.
Cuttings can also be taken in Autumn, called hardwood cuttings using the same process but they don’t produce new growth for around six months, so patience is the key!!
