Easy 1 min readAbout an hour

Propagating Rosemary: From Cuttings to Culinary Herbs

Master the art of cloning your favorite woody rosemary plant with this simple step-by-step guide.

Rosemary is a fantastic plant for propagation because it roots reliably from stem cuttings. Whether you want to expand your indoor herb garden or gift a living starter to a friend, this method ensures a genetically identical copy of your parent plant.

What You Will Need

Healthy, non-flowering rosemary stems (4-6 inches long)
Clean, sharp pruning shears
Small pot with drainage holes
Well-draining potting mix (perlite/sand mix)
Optional: Rooting hormone powder

Make a clean cut just below a node to encourage root development.

Step-by-Step Propagation

Select a healthy stem tip about 4-6 inches long; avoid stems that have already flowered.
Use sanitized shears to make a clean, 45-degree cut just below a leaf node.
Strip the leaves off the bottom 2 inches of the cutting, leaving only the top cluster of foliage.
Dip the wounded end into rooting hormone if you want to speed up the process.
Insert the cutting into a moist potting mix, burying the leafless part of the stem.
Place in a spot with bright, indirect light and keep the soil slightly damp.

Pro tip

Create a mini-greenhouse by loosely covering your pot with a clear plastic bag to retain humidity, but ensure you vent it daily to prevent mold.

Avoid overwatering your cuttings. Rosemary is drought-tolerant and prone to stem rot if left sitting in waterlogged, stagnant soil.