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Yes—you can grow lavender from cuttings, and it’s one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to grow more plants.
If you’ve ever bought lavender plants from a nursery, you know how quickly it can add up. The good news is, once you have one healthy plant, you can propagate more for little to no cost.
And the best part? It’s actually easier than starting from seed.
Can You Grow Lavender from Cuttings?
Yes, lavender can be grown from cuttings by taking a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves, and placing it in water or well-draining soil until roots develop.
This method is often faster and more reliable than growing lavender from seed.
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Why Grow Lavender from Cuttings?
Starting lavender from cuttings is not only budget-friendly—it’s also more reliable.
- You’ll get an exact copy of the parent plant
- It’s often more successful than growing from seed
- You can multiply your favorite plants
- It’s a fun, rewarding project (even for beginners)
If you enjoy growing lavender, this is one of those simple skills that makes your garden expand quickly.
Can You Root Lavender Cuttings in Water?
Yes, you can root lavender cuttings in water—it’s one of the simplest methods to get started.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose a healthy stem
Look for a stem that’s not too woody and not too soft—somewhere in between is perfect. Avoid stems with flowers, since the plant’s energy should go into root growth.
2. Make your cut
Use sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut just below a node (where new growth forms). Cut at a slight angle.
3. Remove lower leaves
Strip off the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem—this is where roots will grow.
4. Optional: dip in rooting solution
You can use rooting hormone, or even dip the stem in raw honey as a natural alternative.
5. Place in water
Submerge the bottom portion of the stem in water and place it in a bright spot with indirect light.
6. Wait for roots to form
Roots typically appear in a few weeks. Once they’re established, you can transfer your cutting to soil.
Can You Plant Lavender Cuttings Directly in Soil?
Yes—this is another popular method and can reduce the risk of rot from sitting in water.
To do this:
- Follow the same cutting steps above
- Create a small hole in the soil before placing the stem
- Use well-draining soil (this is important)
- Water lightly and keep in indirect sunlight
Keep the soil slightly moist, but not wet.
Tips for Successful Lavender Cuttings
A few simple tips can make a big difference:
- Choose soft or semi-woody stems for faster rooting
- Keep cuttings in indirect sunlight
- Maintain light moisture (not soggy soil)
- Cover with a plastic bag or container to retain humidity
Lavender prefers drier conditions, so be careful not to overwater—this is one of the most common mistakes when growing lavender, and I share more about that in my guide to watering lavender.
How Long Does It Take Lavender Cuttings to Root?
- Soft stems: about 2–4 weeks
- Woody stems: 4–8 weeks or longer
Newer growth roots faster, but can be a bit more delicate.
When Is the Best Time to Take Cuttings?
You can take lavender cuttings any time of year, but:
- Spring and early summer – best for soft cuttings (faster results)
- Fall and winter – use woody stems (slower, but still possible)
If you’re just getting started, spring is the easiest time.
What to Do After Rooting
Once your cuttings have roots:
- Transplant into well-draining soil
- Gradually introduce more sunlight
- Water lightly while the plant establishes
From there, your new lavender plant will grow just like the original.
Harvesting and Using Your Lavender
Once your plants are established, you’ll be able to harvest and use your lavender in so many ways.
You can dry and preserve it to use year-round, and I share simple ways to do that along with a few of my favorite lavender recipes if you want ideas for using it in your home and kitchen.
Growing lavender from cuttings is one of the easiest ways to expand your garden without spending extra money.
With just a few simple steps, you can turn one plant into many—and enjoy more fragrance, more blooms, and more ways to use lavender throughout your home.
It’s simple, rewarding, and definitely worth trying.
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