How And When To Take Lavender Cuttings

Taking lavender cuttings is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to multiply your favorite lavender plants.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how and when to take lavender cuttings, the short answer is simple: take them in late spring or early summer from healthy, non-flowering shoots.
 
That timing gives your cuttings the best chance to root quickly and grow strong before the cold arrives.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a total beginner, learning how and when to take lavender cuttings will save you money and let you fill your garden with that gorgeous scent.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly when to take lavender cuttings, how to take lavender cuttings step by step, and the little tricks that make rooting them way more successful.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

When to Take Lavender Cuttings

Timing is honestly everything when it comes to lavender cuttings.
 
Get it right, and your cuttings will root in a few weeks.
 
Get it wrong, and you’ll be staring at a bunch of sad, wilted stems.
 
Here’s when to take lavender cuttings for the best results.
 

1. Late Spring to Early Summer Is Ideal

The best time to take lavender cuttings is late spring through early summer, usually around May to July.
 
During this window, the plant is actively growing and full of energy.
 
That energy is exactly what pushes new roots out fast.
 
If you take lavender cuttings during this period, you’ll often see roots forming within three to six weeks.
 

2. Take Cuttings Before the Plant Flowers

You want to take your lavender cuttings before the stems produce flower buds.
 
Once lavender starts flowering, it puts all its energy into blooms instead of root development.
 
So if you take lavender cuttings from flowering stems, they’re much slower to root.
 
Aim for soft, green, flexible stems that haven’t flowered yet.
 

3. Early Morning Is the Best Time of Day

Even the time of day matters when you take lavender cuttings.
 
Early morning is best because the plant is fully hydrated after the cool night.
 
Cuttings taken in the morning hold more moisture, which keeps them alive while they root.
 
Avoid taking lavender cuttings in the heat of the afternoon when the plant is stressed.
 

4. Avoid Late Autumn and Winter

You can technically take lavender cuttings in autumn, but rooting slows down a lot.
 
And in winter, it’s basically a waste of time because the plant is dormant.
 
So if you want strong, healthy new plants, stick to late spring and early summer when you take lavender cuttings.
 

How to Take Lavender Cuttings Step by Step

Now that you know when to take lavender cuttings, let’s talk about how to take lavender cuttings properly.
 
The process is simple, but a few details make a huge difference.
 

1. Choose a Healthy Parent Plant

Start by picking a healthy, vigorous lavender plant.
 
Look for strong growth and no signs of disease or pests.
 
The healthier the parent, the better your cuttings will perform.
 

2. Cut Just Below a Leaf Node

Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut a stem about 4 to 6 inches long.
 
Make your cut just below a leaf node, which is where new roots will form.
 
This is the most important part of how to take lavender cuttings correctly.
 

3. Strip the Lower Leaves

Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
 
This keeps the stem clean and prevents rot once it’s in the soil.
 
Leave a few leaves at the top so the cutting can still photosynthesize.
 

4. Dip in Rooting Hormone

While it’s optional, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone speeds things up.
 
It also boosts your success rate, especially if you’re new to how to take lavender cuttings.
 
A little powder or gel goes a long way.
 

5. Plant in Well-Draining Soil

Stick your cuttings into a pot filled with a sandy, well-draining mix.
 
Lavender hates soggy roots, so drainage is non-negotiable.
 
Water lightly and keep the soil just barely moist.
 

6. Keep Them Warm and Humid

Place your pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
 
A plastic bag over the pot can help hold humidity, but open it daily to avoid mold.
 
Within a few weeks, you’ll know your how to take lavender cuttings efforts paid off when new growth appears.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even when you know when to take lavender cuttings and how to take lavender cuttings, a few slip-ups can ruin your results.
 
Here are the big ones to dodge.
 

1. Taking Cuttings From Flowering Stems

Flowering stems root poorly, so always pick non-flowering growth.
 
This is one of the most common errors when people take lavender cuttings.
 

2. Overwatering

Too much water causes stem rot faster than anything else.
 
Keep the soil barely moist, never soaked.
 

3. Skipping the Humidity Dome

Cuttings dry out fast without humidity.
 
A simple plastic cover keeps them alive while they root.
 

4. Planting at the Wrong Time

If you take lavender cuttings in winter, don’t expect much.
 
Stick to late spring and early summer for the best odds.
 

So, How and When to Take Lavender Cuttings?

You take lavender cuttings in late spring or early summer, cutting healthy non-flowering stems just below a leaf node and rooting them in well-draining soil.
 
Get the timing right, keep things clean, and give your cuttings warmth and gentle humidity.
 
Do that, and you’ll have fresh lavender plants for free in no time.
 
Now you know exactly how and when to take lavender cuttings, so grab those pruners and get growing.