How to Grow Rosemary from Cuttings: A Step-by-Step UK Guide
Introduction
Fragrant, hardy, and evergreen, rosemary is a classic herb in UK gardens. It not only adds bold flavour to roasts, soups, and stews but also acts as a beautiful, drought-tolerant shrub that attracts pollinators and thrives with minimal care. One of the best ways to expand your rosemary supply is by taking cuttings—an easy and cost-effective way to grow strong new plants.
This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to grow rosemary from cuttings, whether you want a windowsill herb pot, a patio container, or a full garden hedge. With a little patience and the right method, you can propagate rosemary successfully at home.
Why Grow Rosemary from Cuttings?
- 🌿 Free new plants – Save money and multiply your stock
- 🪴 Genetic clones – New plants have the same flavour and appearance as the parent
- 🐝 Pollinator-friendly – Beautiful blue flowers attract bees and butterflies
- 🌞 Low maintenance – Once established, rosemary is drought-tolerant and easy to care for
- 🏡 Perfect for pots, borders, or herb gardens
When to Take Rosemary Cuttings in the UK
| Cutting Type | Best Time to Take |
|---|---|
| Softwood cuttings | Late spring to early summer (May–June) |
| Semi-ripe cuttings | Mid to late summer (July–August) |
| Hardwood cuttings | Autumn (September–October) |
Softwood cuttings root quickly and are ideal for beginners. Semi-ripe cuttings are slightly more robust and have a high success rate.
What You’ll Need to Take Rosemary Cuttings
- Sharp scissors or pruning snips
- Healthy mother rosemary plant
- Small pots or seed trays
- Multipurpose compost or seed compost mixed with perlite
- Rooting hormone (optional, but helpful)
- Clear plastic bag or propagator lid
- Spray bottle or watering can with a fine rose
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Rosemary from Cuttings
Step 1: Choose Healthy Stems
- Select non-flowering softwood stems (new growth) about 10–15cm long
- Avoid woody or overly thick branches
- Look for flexible, bright green growth with no damage or disease
Step 2: Take the Cuttings
- Use sterilised scissors to cut just below a leaf node (the point where leaves emerge)
- Remove the bottom 5cm of leaves from each stem
- Gently scrape the lower part of the stem with a fingernail to expose a little of the green inner stem—this encourages rooting
- Optional: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel
Step 3: Prepare the Pot and Compost
- Fill a 9cm pot or seed tray with well-draining compost—a mix of multipurpose compost and perlite or grit works well
- Moisten the compost with water, but don’t soak it
Step 4: Plant the Cuttings
- Make a hole in the compost with a pencil or dibber
- Insert the cutting 3–5cm deep, firm gently
- Plant 3–4 cuttings per pot to increase your chances of success
- Mist the leaves lightly with water
Step 5: Create a Humid Environment
- Cover pots with a clear plastic bag secured with an elastic band or use a propagator lid
- Keep in a warm, bright (but not sunny) spot—like a windowsill or greenhouse
- Ideal rooting temperature: 18–24°C
Step 6: Care During Rooting
- Check moisture daily—water if compost feels dry
- Remove condensation daily to prevent mould
- After 3–6 weeks, gently tug on a cutting—if you feel resistance, it’s rooting!
Potting On Your Rosemary Cuttings
Once roots are well developed:
- Transplant each cutting into a 9–12cm pot with fresh compost
- Keep in a bright, frost-free place for the first winter
- Harden off gradually before planting outside in spring
Growing Rosemary in Pots or the Ground
Growing in Containers:
- Use pots at least 20–30cm wide and deep
- Fill with free-draining compost, such as multipurpose mixed with grit or sand
- Position in full sun
- Water when dry, but avoid soggy compost
- Feed with liquid seaweed feed every 4–6 weeks in summer
Growing in the Garden:
- Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil
- Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas
- Space plants 45–60cm apart for good airflow
- Mulch lightly and prune to shape after flowering
Caring for Young Rosemary Plants
Watering:
- Keep young plants evenly moist until established
- Mature rosemary is drought-tolerant and prefers drying out between waterings
Feeding:
- Minimal feeding needed—use a balanced or tomato feed occasionally in spring/summer
- Overfeeding can reduce aromatic oil production
Pruning:
- Prune lightly in late spring or early summer
- Avoid cutting into woody stems
- Trim regularly to keep shape and promote bushy growth
Overwintering Rosemary in the UK
Rosemary is hardy in most of the UK, but protect young or potted plants:
- Move containers to a sheltered spot or unheated greenhouse
- Cover with horticultural fleece during frosts
- Ensure pots are raised on feet to prevent soggy roots
- In very cold areas, bring indoors during hard frosts
Using and Harvesting Rosemary
How to Harvest:
- Snip sprigs as needed—younger, softer growth has better flavour
- Harvest year-round, but take larger cuts in spring/summer
Uses for Rosemary:
- Flavour meats, stews, soups, and breads
- Infuse in oils or vinegar
- Brew for herbal tea
- Use dried leaves in sachets or potpourri
- Add to bathwater or homemade skincare for its calming scent
How to Dry and Store Rosemary
To Dry Rosemary:
- Tie sprigs together and hang in a dry, warm, dark place for 1–2 weeks
- Alternatively, use a dehydrator or low oven (under 50°C)
To Store:
- Strip leaves and store in an airtight jar
- Use within 6–12 months for best flavour
Common Problems When Growing Rosemary from Cuttings
| Problem | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cuttings rot | Black stems, mushy base | Improve airflow, reduce humidity, don’t overwater |
| Cuttings wilt | Leaves droop and dry out | Check for dryness or too much sun—move to bright shade |
| Slow rooting | No growth after 6 weeks | Try semi-ripe cuttings or apply rooting hormone |
| Powdery mildew | White coating on leaves | Improve ventilation, water at base, avoid crowding |
| Aphids or pests | Sticky leaves, visible bugs | Rinse with water or use organic insecticidal soap |
Propagating Rosemary: Softwood vs Semi-Ripe Cuttings
| Cutting Type | Best Time | Rooting Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood | Late spring–early summer | Fast (3–4 weeks) | Tender stems, quick but fragile |
| Semi-ripe | Mid to late summer | Medium (4–6 weeks) | Firmer stems, root well and more reliably |
Tip: Take multiple cuttings at once to ensure success.
Conclusion
Growing rosemary from cuttings is a simple, satisfying way to expand your herb garden for free. With the right technique and a little patience, you can grow strong, healthy rosemary plants that last for years—whether in pots on the patio, along borders, or on a kitchen windowsill.
By following this step-by-step UK guide, you’ll master the art of rosemary propagation and enjoy this evergreen herb’s beauty, fragrance, and flavour throughout the seasons.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Growing Rosemary from Cuttings
1. When is the best time to take rosemary cuttings?
Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; mid-summer for semi-ripe cuttings.
2. Can I root rosemary cuttings in water?
Yes, but results vary—compost gives better long-term success.
3. Do I need rooting hormone for rosemary cuttings?
It’s optional but can improve rooting success, especially for semi-ripe cuttings.
4. How long do rosemary cuttings take to root?
Usually 3–6 weeks, depending on the cutting type and temperature.
5. Can I grow rosemary indoors from cuttings?
Yes—keep cuttings in a bright, warm spot out of direct sun.
6. What compost should I use for cuttings?
Use multipurpose compost with added grit or perlite for good drainage.
7. Can I grow rosemary in pots permanently?
Absolutely! Rosemary thrives in containers with sun, drainage, and pruning.
8. How do I know if a rosemary cutting has rooted?
Gently tug—it should resist if roots are forming.
9. Can I take cuttings from supermarket rosemary?
Yes—if the stems are fresh and not overly woody, they may root.
10. How long does rosemary live?
Well-cared-for rosemary can live 10–20 years or more in the right conditions.