How to propagate rosemary

There are three main methods of propagating rosemary: sowing, layering, and cuttings. Let’s learn about these three methods one by one!

Rosemary seed propagation

Seedlings are grown in a greenhouse in early spring. There are two methods available: soil seedling cultivation and hole tray seedling cultivation.

The traditional method of raising seedlings requires the preparation of the seedbed first. The seedbed can be arranged into flat beds or small raised beds, and the soil can be raked flat and broken up. Water the soil sufficiently and apply enough fermented base fertilizer. The seeds can be broadcast or sown in rows. Try to sow the seeds as sparsely as possible, or mix the seeds with fine dry soil, sow them on the seedbed, and water them lightly to ensure full contact between the soil and the seeds. The suitable temperature for seed germination is 15-20 degrees Celsius. It will germinate in about 2-3 weeks. When the seedlings grow to about 10 cm, they can be transplanted, which will help improve the survival rate. For hole tray seedling cultivation, peat and vermiculite need to be mixed in a ratio of 3:1, and then sowing can be done. Cover with a thin layer of vermiculite and water thoroughly. Build a small shed and water frequently. After the rosemary seedlings emerge, move the plug tray frequently to prevent the roots of the rosemary from growing into the ground along the holes below the plug tray. But if you put the hole tray on a rack, this is not necessary. The germination rate of rosemary is very low, generally only 10%-20%. In the first year of rosemary planting, the growth rate is extremely slow. Even in autumn, the plants are not very large, so large-scale production will take 2-3 years.

Rosemary cutting propagation

You need to choose fresh and healthy stems that are not yet completely woody for cutting propagation. Mostly carried out in winter to early spring. Cut the rosemary branches about 10-15 cm from the top, and then remove about one-third of the leaves below the branches. Then insert the branches directly into the moist medium. The minimum night temperature for cuttings is 13 degrees Celsius. Roots will grow in about 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted into the open field after 7 weeks.

Rosemary propagation by layering

Bend the branches of the rosemary plant close to the ground and cover them with soil, exposing the top of the plant to the air. When new roots grow, they can be cut from the mother plant to form new individuals, which can then be planted in open air.

The above are three methods of propagating rosemary. Let’s take action with the editor!