Which herbs root from cuttings
| Herb | Roots from cuttings? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Yes, fast | Roots in about 1-2 weeks in water |
| Mint | Yes, very easily | One of the easiest to root |
| Oregano / marjoram | Yes | Soft stems root well |
| Rosemary | Yes, slower | Be patient; use semi-woody stems |
| Parsley, cilantro, chives | No | Grow from seed or division instead |
Many herbs will grow a whole new plant from a single cut stem, which makes propagation the cheapest way to expand a herb garden. As a quick answer: snip a 4 to 6 inch stem below a node, strip the lower leaves, root it in water, then pot it up. Basil and mint do this in a week or two.
Step by step
- Take a cutting. Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and snip a 4 to 6 inch length.
- Cut below a node. Trim just below a leaf node (where leaves meet the stem); this is where roots form.
- Strip the lower leaves. Remove leaves from the bottom couple of inches so none sit underwater.
- Stand it in water. Use a glass of water on a bright windowsill, out of harsh direct sun.
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
- Pot it up. Once roots reach an inch or two, plant the cutting into a pot of moist potting mix.
Which herbs root from cuttings
Soft-stemmed herbs root most readily, basil, mint, oregano, marjoram, and lemon balm. Rosemary roots too, just more slowly, using semi-woody stems. Parsley, cilantro, and chives do not root from stem cuttings; grow those from seed or by division instead, as the table above summarises.
Potting up without shock
The move from water to soil is where many cuttings stall. Pot them gently into moist mix, keep them out of harsh sun for a few days, and let them settle before normal care. The same low-stress approach applies as in how to repot herbs without slowing growth.
Regrowing supermarket herbs
A fresh supermarket bunch of basil or mint is full of potential cuttings. Rooting a few stems turns a throwaway bunch into living plants, which pairs well with how to keep supermarket basil alive. And if you are storing basil on the counter in water, you may notice the stems rooting on their own, the first step of this whole process; see how to store fresh basil.
If you are propagating herbs, also read
These guides cover reviving supermarket herbs, potting up rooted cuttings, and storing the harvest.
Common questions
How do you regrow herbs from cuttings?
Snip a healthy 4 to 6 inch stem, cut just below a leaf node, strip the lower leaves, and stand it in a glass of water on a bright windowsill. Change the water every few days, and once roots reach an inch or two, pot it into soil.
Which herbs grow best from cuttings?
Soft-stemmed herbs root most easily, basil, mint, oregano, marjoram, and lemon balm, and rosemary roots well too with a little patience. Parsley, cilantro, and chives are grown from seed or division instead.
How long do herb cuttings take to root?
Usually one to three weeks in water, depending on the herb and the warmth and light. Basil and mint are fast; rosemary is slower.
Can you regrow supermarket herbs from cuttings?
Yes. A fresh supermarket bunch of basil or mint often roots from its cuttings, which is a cheap way to turn a few stems into living plants. See the guide on keeping supermarket basil alive.
Related guides
How to store fresh basil so it lasts
Basil is the one herb you should never refrigerate. Treat it like a bouquet on the counter and it stays fresh for up to two weeks instead of blackening in days.
How to prune basil, mint, parsley, and chives without stunting growth
Basil and mint should be cut above a node, parsley should be harvested from the outer stems, and chives should be cut like a small patch of grass.
How to keep supermarket basil alive longer than two weeks
We have all done it. You buy a beautiful, lush basil plant from the produce aisle to make pesto. You put it on your windowsill, and exactly 12 days later, it collapses and dies. Here is why the supermarket set you up to fail, and exactly how to rescue the plant.