Guest guest Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 How to Do Stem Cuttings for HerbsPropagating herbs from stem cuttings produces new plants for transplanting. Propagating herbs from stem cuttings is easier with some herbs than others. You can create new plants to give away as gifts or to bring herbs indoors for the winter.InstructionsDifficulty: Moderately Easy Things You'll Need:Scissors or a sharp knife Potting soil Potting container Rooting hormone Step1Select a healthy herb plant and locate a stem with no flowers blooming. Locate a leaf joint on the stem. Step2Snip the stem just below the leaf joint with scissors or a sharp knife. Step3Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving at least an inch from the end of the cutting to the next leaf. Do not use more than three inches of a cutting. Step4Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone. Rooting hormone can be purchased at any garden center or nursery. Rooting hormone encourages growth and prevents fungal infections. Step5Plant the stem in a container of potting soil. Make sure the container has a hole for drainage. Step6Moisten the potting soil with water. Keep the soil evenly moist. Keep the cutting out of direct sun and in temperatures between 68 degrees F to 72 degrees F. Step7Watch as the herb continues to grow and mature. Cut off a small amount of herb to use for cooking when the plant is large enough. Tips & WarningsStem cuttings do best in the spring but can actually be done at any time of the year if done indoors. Some herbs, such as basil and mint, can be rooted by placing stems in water. Do not over-water the soil. Too much watering can cause rot. Do not allow the soil to dry out. Dry soil prevents roots from forming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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