Not only is it dead easy to propagate thyme this way, it’s also a simple to strategy to ensure your plants stay true to the genes of their parent. Because thyme has such a low germination rate and needs plenty of babying before it even sprouts, most people prefer to propagate it from cuttings or plant it from nursery transplants. Though it’s possible to plant thyme directly from seed, the process isn’t worth it for most gardeners. Plus, the variations in color and size make it an herb that looks stunning anywhere. You can find a variety of thyme to match just about any flavor profile.
The various types range from small evergreen perennials to woody shrubs with a mix of white, purple and pink flowers. Today there are over 400 species of thyme available. Yet thyme also provides every gardener with a tasty harvest all season long. Rather than sucking away every available nutrient and taking over space, thyme keeps to itself. Not only is thyme beautiful to look at and delicious to taste, it also plays nice with other garden plants. The Scottish Highlanders even praised tea made from thyme for its courage-boosting and strength-giving properties. And, it’s even a savory addition to a multitude of dishes made with eggs, meat and almost any vegetable. Native to the warm climates of the Grecian coast, thyme has long been used as both a landscape plant. Basil and sage are my two favorite herbs to propagate from cuttings.For those that can’t get enough of Mediterranean cuisine, growing thyme should definitely be on your ‘must-grow’ list this season. Here you have most herbs and plants like tomatoes and even peppers. Some plants are best propagated from cuttings. The method of propagation may differ, but it works. I am yet to come across a plant that I cannot grow from a cutting.
Can all plants be propagated from cuttings Growing plants from cuttings is a faster way to grow a new plant.Īnd when you replant a cutting, you are guaranteed to create an exact clone of the donor plant. Seed-starting is inexpensive, and I can grow what I want and not be tied to what’s available or in season at my local nursery.īut there are times when propagating from cuttings makes more sense. I am a big seed-starting fan and prefer to start my plants from seed. Seed-starting vs propagating from cuttings And for me, propagating is a bit of a mouthful when “growing” works just as well. I am guilty of mixing the terms sometimes. Propagating is more or less the same thing as “growing”.īut propagating is the correct term when you grow new plants from stem cuttings, root cuttings, or leaf cuttings. Finding that balance is tricky when you are propagating cuttings.Īnd if you overwater, as all the action is below the soil level, you will not know for weeks. Thyme is a Mediterranean herb and does not tolerate wet soil. This may work great for houseplants, but not when I am growing herbs for cooking. I have yet to find a rooting powder or gel that does not state that I have to wait for a year or so before I can harvest and consume anything from the plant. The “works great” part speaks for itself. Difficult to maintain ideal soil moisture.
Have to wait a year before using the plant.Propagating in water works great, and it is easier and cleaner.Three Reasons I Never Propagate Thyme In Soil
Thyme does not like wet soil your cutting will rot if you overwater. Plant the cutting in potting soil: Using well-draining potting soil and a pot with drainage holes is key. Coat the bottom 2 inches of the sprig with the rooting hormone: Wet the bottom part of the sprig and cover it with the hormone powder or gel.Ģ. But instead of placing the cutting in water, you would:ġ. If you are a fan of using rooting hormones, follow the steps above to prepare the cutting. I never propagate thyme cuttings in potting soil as it is messier, and I find water to be just as effective.īut there is one situation when you would have to use soil instead of water.Įnter Rooting powders, also known as Rooting hormones or Growth hormones. The process requires patience here in Zone 7, I have to use grow lights when there is not enough natural light. These simple steps work I have grown many new thyme plants this way. Replant the cutting into a pot with rich, well-drained potting soil. Plant cutting in soil when you see strong roots:įresh white roots start forming after about In 1-3 weeks. Keep the water fresh and always use room temperature water to avoid shocking the cutting. Place the glass in a warm but not hot place with plenty of light. Submerge the cleaned stem, not the leaves on the top part of the sprig. Pour 5 cm / 2 inches of water into a glass and place the sprig inside. Topping the cutting will promote root growth over the cutting developing new fresh leaves.
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