How to Clone Herbs
Propagating herbs by cloning produces plants identical to the mother plant and increases your supply of seedlings ready to transplant. This is especially helpful when seedlings are not available at local nurseries. Whether you wish to expand on your herb garden or to exchange herbs with your gardener friends, cloning herbs provides free plants ready for planting. Although some herbs require propagation from root or crown division, many common herbs can be propagated easily from stem cuttings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a healthy newly grown stem of herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme or sage, and cut a four-inch section from the terminal end. Cut just below a leaf node (the area where a leaf forms on the stem) since this area produces roots quickly. Remove all but two small leaves.
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Place the stem cutting in a glass of water so the bottom inch of the stem cutting is emerced in the water, and place the glass in an area where it receives indirect light. A northern or eastern windowsill provides light without the intense rays of afternoon sun.
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Change the water every two days to keep it fresh to avoid stagnation, and keep the bottom of the stem in water at all times. Watch for the appearance of new roots. Some cuttings will produce roots in a few days, while other may take a week or two.
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Transplant the stem to soil, once the roots are established and new growth has appeared on the cutting.
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Harden off new plants before planting in the garden by placing them in a sheltered location for several days. Gradually increase exposure to light and winds to develop strong seedlings capable of surviving the weather conditions in your area.
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