Propagating Herb Plants

See the Starting From sections for general information on propagation techniques. More precise details on how to reproduce a species are given only if these differ from the usual. That is, a germinating temperature of 60 to 65F (15 to 18C) is assumed, air layering is done in early summer, etc., unless otherwise stated.

Agastache foeniculum

anise hyssop

Spring sown, self sows well; sow shallowly as light is helpful for germi-nation, 55-80F/13-27C. Rich and well-drained soil, good moisture ap-preciated. Sun to light shade. Can also be propagated from green or semi-ripe cuttings or by division. Hardy to zone 4.

Agrimonia eupatoria

agrimony

Grow from seed at 70-85F/21-29C, or divide in spring; grow in good light, well-drained soil. Perennial hardy to zone 3.

Allium sativum

garlic

Plant in early spring or fall; latter gives greater harvest. Must be planted at least 2 weeks before the first expected frost. Peel apart 1/2" or larger cloves, but do not remove the skin. Plant upright, 2" deep and 1/2' apart. Supermarket cloves may be used but may not be hardy to your area. Soil fairly fertile, light, well-drained.

"Seeds" or bulbils formed atop flower stalks can also be planted 1" deep in late fall, but are not suitable for harvest the following year, and must be left another winter for harvest the year after.

Allium schoenoprasum

chives

Start from seed in early February, 60-70F/15-21C, or sow outside when frost clears. Plant clumps 8" apart, ideally rich, light and well-drained soil, good to moderate light; does well in most soils. Divide clumps every 3 years in the fall, 9" apart. Zone 3-9

Allium tuberosum

garlic chives, Chinese chives

Sow seed in spring after last frost, or start inside as with chives, onto fairly fertile, light, well-drained soil; self-seeds readily. Dark may aid germination. Sun to part shade. Divide in early spring or fall. Zone 3-9

Althaea officinalis

marshmallow, hollyhock

Sow in cool spot, fair to good light, moist, fertile soil, 65-70F/18-21C; seed in spring or late summer. Grow also by clump division. Note that the genus Althaea is also referred to as Alcea. Zone 2-9

Aloysia triphylla

lemon verbena

Difficult from seed; bottom heat aids germination. Well-drained soil and good light, 90F/32C. May also be grown from stem tip cuttings in spring and summer. Known also as Lippia citriodora. Zone 7-10

Anethum graveolens

dill

Sow seed when ripe, or outside in spring from 3 weeks before last frost to early summer, plant 2" apart and thin to 6" if grown for leaves, 12" for seed. Self-sows well. Light needed for germination, average to good soil. May be transplanted but only when very young. Do not grow near fennel. Tolerates light shade, good container plant

Angelica archangelica

Sow fresh seed as soon as possible, at 60-70F/15-21C, into shaded area, fertile, moist soil. Benefits from stratification; refrigerate all seed not sown immediately. Previously Archangelica officinalis. Zone 4-9

Anthriscus cerefolium

chervil

Sow fresh seed as soon as possible, onto fertile, well-drained soil, 55-70F/13-21C; may continue with sowings until late summer. Provide even moisture and fair to good light. Annual, sometimes biennial in warmer areas; do not transplant

Armoracia rusticana

horseradish

Grown only from root cuttings: remove rootlets from main root and grow on in rich, well-drained soil and fair to good light. Horseradish can be very invasive: use some form of deep barrier when first plant-ing to prevent its spread. May be divided. Hardy to zone 2

Arnica montana

arnica

Sow seed onto moist, acidic, well-drained soil, 55F/13C; can be very slow to germinate. Good light. Divide as needed in spring. Perennial, zone 5-8

Artemisia absinthium

wormwood

Sow shallowly onto poor to average, well-drained soil, 60-65F/15-18C; do not exclude light. Sun to part shade. Can propagate also by stem tip cuttings in summer or clump division in spring or fall. Note that wormwood may inhibit the growth of neighboring plants. Zone 4-8

Artemisia dranunculus sativa

tarragon

Propagate from root cuttings planted 2" below soil level, or by clump division in spring; does not grow from seed. Well-drained, fertile soil and good light required. Grow also from stem tip cuttings taken in summer. Winter dormancy period required; protect in colder winters. Can be quite invasive, so grow it within a deeply planted barrier. Hardy to zone 5

Atropa belladonna

Sow into moist, well-drained soil, 60-70F/15-21C; full sun to part shade. Can also be propagated by division. Hardy to zone 6

Borago officinalis

borage

Sow into light, dry, poor soil, 60-70F/15-21C; dark needed for germina-tion. Sun to some shade; full sun preferred. Self-seeds vigorously

Carthamus tinctorius

safflower

Sow seed 2 months before last frost, dry to slightly moist, well-drained soil, 55-65F/13-18C. Easy annual

Carum carvi

caraway

Seed at 65-70F/18-21C, in either spring or late summer, into most soils and good light. Late summer sowings are more than sufficient for seed yields the following year. Hardy to zone 3

Chamaemelum nobile

Roman chamomile, English chamomile,

true chamomile Full sun to light shade, does well in sandy soil, tolerates drought. Sur-face sow in late spring, good light, or start indoors two months before last frost, 70F/21C, set out around last frost date. Thin to 6". Perennial, likes well-draining soil. Divide spring or fall; may also grow from tip cuttings taken from side shoots in summer, or from basal cuttings at this time. Tolerates some foot traffic, may be mowed. Zone 3-10

Previously known as Anthemis nobilis. C. nobile 'Treneague' is a good lawn chamomile but is non-flowering and therefore propagated from cuttings only

Cinnamomum zeylanicum

cinnamon

Sow seed in spring, onto fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil; fair to good light. Propagate also from semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Mini-mum temperature of 50F/10C at all times

Coriandrum sativum

coriander, cilantro

Sow in spring or fall into fertile well-drained soil, 60-70F/15-21C, full sun to light shade. May be started indoors; set plants 8" or more apart and transplant only once. Annual, seeds store well

Crocus sativus

saffron crocus

Plant bulbs in spring or early summer, about 2-3" deep, and as deep as 4-5" in cold areas. Good light to partial shade, well-drained soil es-sential. Lift corms every three to four years, late summer to fall, divide and replant. Does well naturalized in rarely-mowed grass. Zone 4-8

Cuminum cyminum

cumin

Seed late in spring, fairly densely into warm, well-drained soil, 70F/ 21C, in full sun

Cymbopogon citratus

lemon grass

Sow in well-drained, dry soil, full sun; 70-75F/21-24C. Propagate also by division of root clumps. Zone 10

Elettaria cardamomum

cardamom

Grow from root cuttings, each with at least two shoots, one of which a young, new shoot; provide even moisture and good light, but protect from full sun. May be grown as a container plant indoors, or brought in for winter

Eucalyptus globulus

blue gum

Surface sow, dry and well-drained, rich soil preferred though many soils tolerated, full sun. Irregular germination optimal at 70-75F/21-24C. May be propagated using grafting, as well. Zone 9-10

Filipendula ulmaria

meadowsweet

Seed just covered, 55-70F/13-21C, ideally in fall, and grow in evenly moist soil. Good light, protect from full sun in hotter areas. May be di-vided in fall. Known also as Spiraea ulmaria. Zone 3-8

Foeniculum vulgare

fennel

Sow in spring at 65F/18C, directly into its final location: a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil, 1/8" deep; dark is needed to germinate. Acidic soils well tolerated. Self-sows readily, and can be divided in fall. Note that fennel can adversely affect the growth of neighbouring plants. Zone 5-10

Gaultheria procumbens

wintergreen

Sow seed immediately when ripe, or stratify 6-8 weeks then sow into sandy or peaty, acidic soil, mild to full shade; irregular germination. Propagate also by division and from semihard cuttings in summer. Zone 3-8

Gentiana lutea

yellow gentian

Sow seed when fresh, or stratify 6-8 weeks, then sow at 55-70F/13-21C, just covered, into fertile, moist, well-draining acidic soil. Dark aids germination; grow in partial shade. May be divided in spring, and off-sets freed and transplanted. Zone 5-8

Glycyrrhiza glabra

licorice

Sow seed immediately if fresh, or in spring, scarify or soak seed for 24 hours before sowing into deep, fertile, well-drained soil, 65-75F/18-24C. Needs full sun and ample moisture. Propagate also by division in spring. Zone 8-10

Hamamelis virginiana

witch hazel

Sow seed 1/16" deep, as light is needed for germination, at 50-60F/10-15C, in spring or fall. Stratification for 2-3 months may help spring-sown seed; sprouting is erratic. Grow in slightly acidic, well-draining soil, some shade to full sun. Suckers may be removed and trans-planted; layers well. Zone 3-9

Hypericum perforatum

St. John's wort

Sow seed when fresh in fall, or stratify before sowing onto well-drained soil, 70F/21C, fair to good light. Divide clumps in spring or fall. Hardy to zone 3

Hyssopus officinalis

hyssop

Sow at 60-70F/15-21C onto well-drained, dry, somewhat alkaline soil, 1/16" deep. Sun to part shade. Clumps may be divided; grow also from stem tip cuttings in spring. Zone 5-9

Impatiens capensis

jewelweed, spotted touch-me-not

Surface sow onto peaty soil, at 65-75F/18-24C. Light and a humid at-mosphere required for germination. For moist, shaded locations. I. pallida, or pale touch-me-not, shares the same cultural requirements

Laurus nobilis

sweet bay, bay

Surface sow at cooler temperatures in spring, light needed to germi-nate; irregular germination. May benefit from one month's stratification; may also be sown in fall. Good rich well-drained soil, sun to part shade, protected location; overwinter indoors in northern climates as only lightest frost is tolerated. Propagate from semi-ripe heel cuttings taken off side shoots, late summer, use rooting hormone as can be hard to root; simple layering may be effective. Zone 8-10

Lavandula angustifolia

common lavender

Sow just covered onto light well-drained soil, 55-65F/13-18C; germina-tion is erratic. Pretreating with 2-6 weeks stratification or soaking often helpful. Lavender may not grow true from seed, though named varie-ties often do. Sun. Also easy from stem or heel cuttings spring or fall, or by simple or trench layering; clumps may be divided in fall. Zone 5-9

Levisticum officinale

lovage

Sow seed immediately when ripe, or in spring at 60-70F/15-21C, onto fertile, moist, slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Sun to part shade; pro-tect from extreme sun. May also be divided spring or fall. Hardy to zone 5

Marrubium vulgare

horehound

Sow seed outside, 55F/13C. Grow in light, dry, deep soil and full sun. Clumps may be divided. Hardy to zone 3

Matricaria recucita

German chamomile

Surface sow directly outside earlier in spring, onto fertile, well-drained soil, 55-70F/13-21C, light needed for germination

Melissa officinalis

lemon balm

Start outdoors in early spring, or indoors at 70F/21C, 2 months before last frost, needs light to germinate. Space 10" apart, moist, well-drained soil, part shade; grow indoors in good indirect light. This pe-rennial may be divided in spring or fall, and can also be grown from cuttings. Zone 3-9

Mentha x piperita

peppermint

The commercial peppermint is propagated from stem tip cuttings in spring, or by division in spring or fall, not from seed. Sun to partial shade, moist. Set plants 24-36" apart. Very invasive, runners will work their way under shallow barriers, set these at least 6" deep, or grow in containers. Zone 3-9

Note that even reputable nurseries may sell seed-raised peppermint or spearmint as the real thing. Ask!, smell the crushed leaf, and if in doubt, go elsewhere

Mentha spicata

spearmint

Seed at 70F/21C, fair to good light, moist soil. However, unless grown from stem tip cuttings or propagated by clump division, as noted for M. x piperita, the resultant plants, while still the true M. spicata, are un-likely to have the typical 'spearmint' taste. Again is very invasive; protect your garden as noted above. When purchasing plant stock, beware of seed-raised plants, also as above. Zone 4-9

Monarda didyma

bee balm, bergamot

Sow seed outside in early spring or in fall, just covered, or indoors in February, 60-70F/15-21C. Divide in early spring or early autumn; set new clumps of some 4" diameter slightly deeper than parent plant. Grow also from basal stem cuttings taken in early summer. Self-sows well. Desires rich well-drained soil and elbow room, as well as ample moisture. Sun to part shade. May become invasive. Zone 4-9

Myrrhis odorata

sweet cicely

Sow fresh seed mid-summer to fall, 1/8" deep, or sow in spring at cooler temperatures; in latter case may benefit from 6 weeks stratifica-tion in fridge. Self-sows readily. Sun or shade, well-drained soil. May also propagate from root cuttings taken in fall. Zone 3-9

Ocimum basilicum

basil

Sown after last frost, or start indoors 6 weeks before last frost, 70F/21C or more, and transplant 2 week after last frost, hardening off carefully. Sow again early summer. Light and consistent moisture needed to germinate; bottom heat helpful. Plant or thin to 10", well-drained rich soil; provide ample sun except when very hot, when part shade is bet-ter, and protection from the elements. Annual. Overwinter by taking cuttings in fall and again in spring. May be hard to root

Origanum heracleoticum

Greek oregano, oregano

Start seed indoors 4 weeks before last frost, or outside after last frost; sow just covered, in good light. Thin to 10" and grow in well-drained

poor to average soil, full sun. Stem cuttings can be used to overwinter the plant indoors, as with basil, though the plant is winter-hardy into zone 5

Perennial, self-sows well. Also known as O. vulgare hirtum. Wild marjoram, O. vulgare, often sold as oregano, is NOT the real kitchen oregano, and is much less aromatic

Origanum species

sweet marjoram

Plant 12" apart; grow from seed or cuttings, as O. heracleoticum above, though seedlings are delicate and can be difficult to handle. Light soil, tolerates drier conditions. Perennial; can be overwintered indoors in pots where not hardy. Divide clumps in spring or fall. Zone 3-9

O. majoranum is hardy only to zone 8, though some hybrids well into colder areas. O. vulgare is hardy in zone 4-8

Panax quinquefolius

ginseng, American ginseng

Score or nick seed then stratify 8 months, unless pre-chilled seed is available; the latter is shipped in fall and sown immediately. Dark needed for germination, which is very erratic. Grow in fair to heavy shade, and fertile, slightly acidic, moist and well-drained soil. Difficult. Hardy to zone 3

Note that Chinese ginseng, P. pseudoginseng, also known as P. gin-seng, is a different species with possibly somewhat different proper-ties, as is Japanese ginseng, P. japonicus

Petroselinum crispum

parsley

May be sown in fall just before last frost, or outside in early spring. Start inside 2 months before last frost, 50-75F/10-24C; can be slow to germinate and is poorly transplanted. Transplant 1 month before last frost, once only. Soak 24 hours to assist germination, and if no growth follows in 3 weeks, try chilling for 3 days. Plant 6" apart, rich and deep soil, fairly moist. Germination best in dark: cover thinly with soil, and firm soil well. Biennial. Zone 3-9

Pimpinella anisum

anise

Sow late spring, when soil has warmed. Slow to germinate and does not transplant well; dark may aid germination. Grow in good light, pro-tected location, good, well-draining soil. Annual, self-seeds

Plantago lanceolata

plantain

Sow in spring, 60-70F/15-21C, dark aids germination. Tolerates wide range of soils and light conditions; prefers well-draining soil and sun. Self-seeds easily. Hardy to zone 2

P. ovata and P. psyllium, both known as psyllium, share the same ba-sic cultural conditions as P. lanceolata

Prunella vulgaris

self-heal

Sow 1/16" deep into moist, well-drained soil, 55-65F/13-18C, good light. Self-sows well and vigorous; clumps may be divided in spring. Also grown from cuttings. Perennial hardy to zone 3

Rosmarinus officinalis

rosemary

Sow onto poor, well-drained dry soils and sunny location, 65-75F/18-24C; do not over-fertilize or over-water. Doesn't tolerate frost; overwin-ter indoors in cooler climates by way of stem cuttings, or grow in large pots. A prostrate form of rosemary is used as a ground cover; it is less hardy. Propagate also from semihard cuttings in late summer or by layering late summer and fall. Zone 6-9

Ruta graveolens

rue

Seed just covered at 60-65F/15-18C, onto well-drained neutral soil; some shade is tolerated. Grow also from side shoot cuttings late in summer. Contact with plant may cause skin irritation. Zone 4-9

Salvia officinalis

sage

Surface sow at 60-75F/15-24C, onto average, well-drained soil; good light. Light may help germination; germination irregular. Seed may be sown in fall. Older plants may be divided; reproduce also from soft-wood cuttings in summer or by layering. Zone 3-9

Satureja hortensis

summer savory

Annual. Surface sow in average to fertile, well-draining, fairly moist soil, started inside some 4 weeks before last frost, 65-70F/18-21C, or sown direct after last frost; full sun. Thin to 8" apart

Stachys officinalis

wood betony

Sow onto well-drained, dry, neutral soil, 70F/21C. Sun. Grow also by clump division in spring or from cuttings. Zone 4-9

Symphytum officinalis

comfrey

Sow seed when fresh, onto fertile, moist soil in fair to good light. Grows very readily from root cuttings. Can be very invasive: limit its growth by growing inside a buried, deep container. Hardy to zone 3

Syzygium aromaticum

cloves

Sow seed in spring, onto rich, well-drained soil; provide sun to part shade. Provide a minimum temperature of 50F/10C at all times. May also be propagated from semiripe cuttings in summer

Tanacetum parthenium

feverfew

Sow directly in spring or fall, shallowly onto fairly rich, well-drained soil as seed needs light to germinate, 60-70F/15-21C. Divide in fall. Fair to good light needed. Hardy to zone 4

Tanacetum vulgare

tansy

Sow shallowly onto well-drained soil; needs light to germinate, 60-70F/ 15-21C. Sun. May also be grown from stem or root cuttings. Hardy to zone 3

Taraxacum officinale

dandelion

Seed sown when fresh in fall, or at 55-65F/13-18C in spring, onto most soils; full sun required. Beware: to many, this is an invasive weed, and very difficult to get rid off! Hardy to zone 3

Thymus vulgaris

thyme

Start seed indoors in early spring, 60-70F/15-21C, slightly moist, un-covered, or sow outdoors two weeks before last frost, sandy well-drained soil. Light needed for germination, grow in full sun. Set plants 12" apart; set roots deeply, burying the lower half of the plant. Self-sows. Cuttings can be rooted in water or soil, and can be overwintered as such; divide clumps every 4 years. Zone 5-9

Trigonella foenumgraecum

fenugreek

Annual, sow at 70-75F/21-24C onto dry, warm soil, in good light; germi-nates very readily

Urtica dioica

stinging nettle

Seed sown at 65-75F/18-24C, moist soil, sun to part shade; self-sows well. Clumps may be divided, can also be grown from cuttings. Handle carefully: the plant is appropriately named. Hardy to zone 2

Valeriana officinalis

valerian

Sow onto moist soil in fair to good light, 60-70F/15-21C, or divide the clumps in spring or fall. Zone 4-9

Verbascum thapsus

mullein

Sow this biennial onto dry, well-drained soil, 1/16" deep, 55-65F/13-18C in spring, or when ripe; self-sows readily. Seed may benefit from stratification. Full sun. Can be grown from root cuttings taken in win-ter. Hardy to zone 3

Verbena officinalis

vervain

Sow 1/16" deep in light, well-drained soil, 65-70F/18-21C, fall or spring; dark needed to germinate, but grown on in full sun. May also be grown on from stem cuttings in fall or by clump division. Hardy to zone 4

Zingiber officinalis

ginger

Grow from store-bought, untreated ginger root, cutting into sections each with one eye, and planting. Fertile and well-drained soil, even moisture, and fair to good light with protection from full sun. Can be overwintered or grown fully indoors, where it desires a warm, bright location. Rarely produces viable seed. Zone 10

Herbs indexed elsewhere (click on heading to select that page):

Plants of Home and Garden
Achillea millefolium	yarrow
Asarum species	wild ginger
Calendula officinalis	pot marigold
Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium	pyrethrum
Chrysanthemum coccineum	painted daisy
Cypripedium calceolus	lady's slipper
Dianthus caryophyllus	sweet William
Digitalis purpurea	foxglove
Echinacea angustifolia	narrow-leaved purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea	purple coneflower
Oenothera species	evening primrose
Papaver somniferum	opium poppy
Pelargonium graveolens	rose geranium
Rosa damascena	damask rose
Sanguinaria canadensis	bloodroot
Senecio cineraria	dusty miller
Tagetes patula	French marigold
Tropaeolum majus	nasturtium
Viola odorata	violet
Trees & Shrubs
Aesculus hippocastanum	horse chestnut
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi	bearberry, kinnikinnik
Crataegus laevigata	hawthorn
Hydrangea arborescens
Jasminum officinale
Juniperus communis	juniper
Lonicera species	honeysuckle
Sambucus nigra	elder
Vitex agnus-castus	chaste tree
Cacti & Succulents
Aloe barbadensis	aloe
Water Plants
Acorus calamus	sweet flag
Caltha palustris	marsh marigold
Fruits & Vegetables
Capsicum annuum	green, red pepper
Cichorium intybus	chicory
Citrus limon	lemon
Humulus lupulus	hops
Passiflora incarnata	Passion flower
Podophyllum peltatum	mayapple
Rubus spp.	raspberry, blackberry