If you’re a fan of fresh rosemary and would like to grow your own plants for free, you’re in luck! Propagating rosemary through cuttings in water is an easy and efficient method. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

Choosing the Right Time: Rosemary, being an evergreen perennial, provides suitable cuttings throughout the year. However, for optimal results, it’s recommended to propagate during milder temperatures. Ideal periods include early fall (September and October) or early spring (March, April, and May).

Key Steps for Water Propagation:

  1. Selecting the Cutting:
    • Choose a young, semi-lignified rosemary stem, approximately 10-15 centimeters in length.
    • Trim the tip (cutting), removing lower leaves, and leaving 2-3 centimeters with leaves at the top.
  2. Placing in Water:
    • Place the cutting in a glass of water, submerging about half of its length. This ensures the cutting develops roots before transplanting.
  3. Container and Light:
    • Use a transparent container, like a jar, to observe root development.
    • Avoid exposing the container to direct sunlight, as it may hinder root growth.
  4. Monitoring and Care:
    • Maintain a constant water level.
    • After a few days, you’ll notice the emergence of the first roots.
    • Optionally, add a few drops of lemon juice or willow water to encourage rooting.

Transplanting into Soil: Once the cutting has developed roots measuring 2-3 centimeters, it’s time to transplant it into soil.

  1. Prepare the Soil:
    • Use well-draining soil in a pot or container.
    • Create a hole and gently place the cutting, ensuring not to damage the young roots.
  2. Compact the Soil:
    • Press down the soil around the cutting to eliminate air pockets.
  3. Watering:
    • Water the newly transplanted cutting thoroughly.

Container Options: Consider using half-cut plastic bottles with holes at the bottom to allow excess water drainage.

Maintenance: Regularly water the soil to keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure the soil never appears dry to prevent the cutting from drying out.

With these simple steps, you’ll soon enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own rosemary. Happy gardening!

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