Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) is a delightful herb cherished for its strong, refreshing lemon scent and versatile uses in culinary dishes, teas, and aromatherapy. Propagating this fragrant plant offers a rewarding way to expand your garden, create new plants for friends, or ensure a continuous supply of this aromatic foliage. It allows gardeners to easily multiply their collection without needing to purchase new plants.
Best Time for Propagation
The most opportune time to propagate lemon verbena from cuttings is during its active growth phase in spring and early summer. This period provides ideal conditions of warmth and increasing daylight, which support robust root development. Semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer also root well. While spring and early summer offer the best success rates, propagation can extend into early autumn, especially if you plan to overwinter the young plants indoors. Indoor propagation is also possible in cooler months if consistent warmth and light are provided artificially.
Propagating Lemon Verbena from Cuttings
Selecting and Taking Cuttings
Begin by selecting healthy, non-flowering stems from a mature lemon verbena plant. Choose semi-hardwood stems that are neither too soft nor overly woody, as these root most successfully. Each cutting should be approximately 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) long. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, the point where leaves emerge, using sharp, sterilized secateurs or a knife. Immediately place freshly cut stems in a plastic bag or jar of water to prevent wilting by rehydrating them.
Preparing Cuttings
Once stems are selected, prepare them by removing leaves from the lower half of each cutting. This reduces moisture loss through transpiration and prevents rotting in the rooting medium. Remove any flowers or buds to direct the plant’s energy towards root development. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone powder or solution can enhance the rooting process and increase success rates.
Planting Cuttings
For the rooting medium, use a well-draining mix to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root growth. Options include perlite and peat moss, or a sterile potting mix, seed, and cutting compost with added grit. Fill pots with your chosen medium, leaving some space at the top. Create small holes using a pencil or dibber, then gently insert cuttings about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep. Firm the soil gently around the stems to ensure good contact with the medium and eliminate air pockets.
Creating the Right Environment
After planting, water cuttings thoroughly to settle the medium. A high-humidity environment encourages rooting, achieved by placing a clear plastic bag over the pot to create a mini-greenhouse effect, or by using a propagation tray with a clear dome. Ensure the plastic does not touch the cuttings to prevent rot. Place potted cuttings in a warm location with indirect sunlight, as direct sun can scorch them. Ideal rooting temperatures range from 18 to 25°C (64 to 77°F).
Caring for Young Lemon Verbena Cuttings
Consistent moisture is important for young lemon verbena cuttings; regularly check the rooting medium to ensure it remains damp but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to new cuttings. If the medium feels dry, water gently, perhaps using a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the young plants. New leaf growth indicates roots have begun to form, and once evident, gradually acclimate cuttings to lower humidity by slightly opening the plastic covering or dome over several days. Provide bright, indirect light, as young plants are sensitive to intense direct sunlight.
Transplanting Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings are ready for transplanting once they have developed a robust root system, indicated by new top growth or if roots are visible at the bottom of the pot, a clear sign they are established. They can then be moved to larger pots or their final garden location. When transplanting, handle young plants carefully to minimize root disturbance and prevent transplant shock. Choose a pot with good drainage, at least 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter, and use a loose, well-drained potting mix. If planting outdoors, ensure the last frost has passed and select a sunny location with well-drained soil; after transplanting, water plants well and continue to provide consistent moisture as they establish.