Rosemary is a popular and aromatic herb used in cooking, natural medicine, and even as an ornamental plant in gardens. If you’ve ever wanted to grow more rosemary at home without buying new plants, you’re in luck. You can propagate dozens—or even hundreds—of rosemary plants simply by placing cuttings in water. This method is easy, inexpensive, and requires no synthetic rooting hormones.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, learning how to multiply rosemary using nothing more than water can transform your herb garden. Here’s a complete guide to help you root rosemary successfully at home in just two weeks.

Why Propagate Rosemary?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a perennial herb that thrives in warm climates and well-drained soil. It’s drought-resistant, aromatic, and highly beneficial in the kitchen and the garden. By propagating rosemary from cuttings, you:

  • Save money by not buying new plants

  • Get genetically identical copies of a favorite plant

  • Fill your herb garden, balcony, or containers with minimal effort

  • Share new plants with friends and neighbors

And the best part: this method is chemical-free and doesn’t require commercial rooting hormone.

What You’ll Need

To get started, gather the following:

  • Healthy rosemary branches (10–15 cm long)

  • Clean scissors or garden shears

  • Clear glass or plastic containers (jars or cups work well)

  • Clean, room-temperature water

  • A bright area with indirect light (like a windowsill)

Optional:

  • Cinnamon (a natural antifungal to protect the cuttings)

Step-by-Step: How to Root Rosemary in Water

1. Choose Healthy Cuttings

Look for green, non-woody branches from a healthy rosemary plant. Semi-hardwood cuttings (not too soft, not too woody) root more easily. Each cutting should be 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) long and have several sets of leaves.

2. Prepare the Cuttings

Using clean scissors or pruning shears, snip the rosemary cuttings. Strip off the lower leaves from the bottom half of each cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This prevents the submerged leaves from rotting in water and helps direct the plant’s energy toward root development.

If desired, dip the cut end of each stem in cinnamon powder. Cinnamon acts as a natural antifungal and helps prevent rot.

3. Place in Water

Fill a glass or jar with room-temperature water and place the cuttings in it. Only the leafless part of the stem should be submerged—leaves in the water can lead to bacterial growth. Use transparent containers so you can monitor root development.

4. Provide Light and Change Water Regularly

Place the jars in a bright area that gets indirect sunlight—like a kitchen window. Avoid direct harsh sun, as it may overheat the water and damage the cuttings.

Change the water every 2–3 days to keep it fresh and oxygen-rich. This helps prevent mold, bacteria, or algae from forming.

5. Wait and Watch

Within 7 to 14 days, you should start seeing fine white roots developing from the base of the stems. Some cuttings may take a little longer, especially in cooler environments.

Be patient and resist the urge to transplant too early. Wait until roots are at least 3–5 cm (1–2 inches) long before moving to soil.

Transplanting the Rooted Cuttings

Once the roots have developed sufficiently, it’s time to move your rosemary cuttings into pots or your garden.

  1. Prepare small pots with light, well-draining potting mix (you can add sand or perlite for better drainage).

  2. Plant each rooted cutting carefully, burying just the rooted portion.

  3. Water lightly and place in a bright but shaded area for a few days to help them adjust.

  4. After about a week, move them into full sun.

With proper care, the cuttings will soon establish themselves and begin growing new shoots.

Care Tips for Young Rosemary Plants

  • Rosemary hates wet feet. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.

  • Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

  • Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth.

  • Once the plants are strong enough, you can transfer them to a garden bed or larger pot.

Final Thoughts

Rooting rosemary in water is an incredibly simple and rewarding way to grow your herb collection. With just a few cuttings and some patience, you can multiply your plants endlessly—without any chemicals, fertilizers, or expensive materials.

This method is ideal for anyone who enjoys cooking with fresh herbs, decorating with aromatic greenery, or simply watching new life grow from something as humble as a cutting. Try it once, and you’ll never need to buy rosemary again!

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Yasmina Lopez

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