How to Propagate Lemon Verbena From Cuttings

Lemon verbena is a prized plant known for its intensely fragrant leaves, which release a citrus scent when touched. These leaves are a popular ingredient for herbal teas and can add a bright, lemony flavor to various culinary dishes. Propagating this herb from cuttings is an effective method to create new, genetically identical plants to expand your garden or share with others.

Preparing for Propagation

The ideal window for taking cuttings is in late spring or early summer. This period ensures the parent plant has produced new, semi-ripe growth that is mature enough to be cut but still young enough to form roots readily. The stems should be firm but not yet woody. Gathering your materials beforehand will streamline the process.

You will need the following materials:

• A pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or a knife to make precise cuts without crushing plant tissues.
• Small pots, approximately 3-4 inches in diameter, with ample drainage holes.
• A well-draining rooting medium, such as a mixture of one part peat moss and four parts perlite.
• Rooting hormone, which can encourage faster and more robust root development.
• A clear plastic bag or a small propagator dome to create a humid environment.

Taking Lemon Verbena Cuttings

When selecting a stem, look for a healthy, vigorous branch that is free of flowers or buds. The plant should be well-hydrated, so it is best to take cuttings in the morning. An ideal cutting will be between four and six inches long. Using your sterile shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as these nodes contain cells capable of differentiating into roots.

Once you have your cutting, prepare it for planting. Carefully strip the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, ensuring at least two or three pairs of leaves remain at the top. Removing the lower leaves exposes the nodes where roots will sprout and reduces water loss through transpiration.

Rooting the Cuttings

The most common method for rooting is in a soil-based medium. If you use a rooting hormone, gently dip the cut end of the stem into the powder or gel, tapping off any excess. Make a small hole in the dampened potting mix with a pencil to prevent the hormone from rubbing off. Place the cutting into the hole, ensuring the exposed nodes are buried, and gently firm the medium around the stem.

After planting, water the medium thoroughly, allowing any excess to drain away. To create the necessary high-humidity environment, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag, securing it with an elastic band. Place the covered pot in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as direct sun can scorch the young cutting.

Roots take about three to six weeks to develop. You can check for root growth by giving the cutting a very gentle tug; resistance indicates that a root system has formed.

An alternative method is to root the cuttings in water. Place the prepared stems in a jar of water, ensuring the stripped nodes are submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Once a network of roots becomes visible, the cutting is ready to be transplanted into soil.

Caring for New Plants

Once the cuttings have developed a healthy root system, they can be acclimated to a less humid environment. Begin by removing the plastic bag for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time over a week. This hardening-off process helps the new plant adjust to normal air moisture levels.

After acclimation, transplant the rooted cuttings into slightly larger, individual pots with a quality potting mix. Place the newly potted plants in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. As the plants become established and show new leaf growth, they can be gradually introduced to more direct sunlight.