| I am expanding my perennial garden and need lots of lavender. I read about burying the plant and then planting the rooted stems, are there other ways? Can I do root cuttings, stem cuttings, or seeds? How successful would these methods be? |
| I think you are referring to layering, which works quite well. Layering is done by gently bending a low-growing stem/branch over to the ground, digging a shallow trench for it and covering it with soil so it won't pop up. Water and keep moist. New roots will grow and the old stem to the parent plant can be cut off, and the new plant dug and transplanted elsewhere, or left where it is. Lavender is sometimes tricky to get to germinate from seeds. Cold stratify the seeds for four weeks to increase germination. Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings can be taken from early to midsummer. Take 3 inch cuttings and strip off the bottom one inch of foliage. Apply rooting hormone and insert into sterile medium. Make sure there is good air circulation. Roots form in 4-8 weeks. |
