After much trial and error my husband and I have figured out how to propagate lavender organically without growth hormone. This is very important to gardeners committed to organic gardening.
Cut about a 3 to 4 inch softwood cut from new growing stems on your existing lavender plant. Remove the outer "skin" on the stem at the base of the cutting, as well as leaves at base (see photo). Place in a clear glass jar with less than a half inch of clean water at the base. Place in a sunny window sill and keep that amount of water at the base of the jar. It is very important to keep just a small amount of water at the base - this is key to the success of establishing roots. It should take 2 to 4 weeks to establish roots ready for transplanting into a small terra-cotta pot. Lavender thrives in a sandy well drained soil. I always put small stones or gravel, a generous layer, at the base of the pot. Once your small plant has established itself, acclimate it gradually to the outdoors. Eventually have it in sun with heat. Water when the soil looks dry, with a small amount of water.
The origin of lavender is believed to be from the Mediterranean, Middle East and India. Its history goes back some 2500 years. Lavender produces small flowers and belongs to the mint family, known for its fragrance, lavender has endless culinary, beauty ingredient, medicinal, and decorative uses.
Verde Cosi will be selling our live lavender topiaries and small plants along with our garden, home, fashion textiles and fine art at Sowa Open Market - Sunday May 5, 2019.
No comments:
Post a Comment