You won’t believe how easy it is to propagate perennial herbs with the layering propagation method. Using just a little bit effort you can have all the perennial herbs you could dream of. The best part is that you do not need any extra space or special equipment.
When I first came across this method, it was completely by accident. I was cleaning up the herb garden and trimming my thyme plant in the spring. Then I realized it had rooted along one of the stems. I was able to separate it from the mother plant and then I gifted it to my mom. This got me curious. So I researched the topic more because I wanted to do this again in the future. But this time on purpose.
We all know how expensive a trip to the garden centre can be, especially when shopping for perennial herbs. That is why I am so excited about this layering propagation method. You can grow a lot more herbs, with a lot less money. Just buy one perennial herb, and use the layering propagation method to multiply it. This would be great if you were doing a formal garden and wanted to create a hedge with lavender or rosemary.
The layering propagation method works well if you are super busy or forgetful. With this method you literally “set it, and forget it”. There is no precise timing to get right and no extra maintenance other than just caring for the mother plant and keeping the soil moist. Once the new plant has rooted you can come back and get it at any time. It could be later that season or even the following year.
How Does Layering Propagation Work?
Layering propagation is a process where new roots grow on a healthy stem of a plant while it is still attached to the mother plant. It is different from propagation by cuttings as you are not cutting the stem off until after it has rooted. This can actually work out better if you have had a difficult time trying to root some plants from cuttings. The stems are still getting energy from the mother plant while they are forming new roots so there is a higher chance of success. There are a few different methods to do layering propagation, but the main thing is to put the stem in contact with moist soil. Once exposed to consistently moist soil roots will form, and then you can separate the new plant from the mother plant so it can continue growing on its own.
I would say that layering propagation is the easiest way to propagate perennial herbs. You will be using the same amount of space that your plant is currently in. And, you can use items from around the house or garden without buying any special equipment. The whole process takes place where your herb is already planted. This method will also produce a larger plant in less time when compared to starting perennial herbs from seed or cuttings.
The Different Types of Layering Propagation
There are five different types of layering propagation methods. These include; simple stem layering, mound or stool layering, tip layering, compound or serpentine layering, and air layering.
All of these types can work to propagate your typical perennial herbs except for air layering. Air layering is often used for thicker branches and trees, so it will not really work well for perennial herbs. If you want to learn more about that method you can check out this article here.
I think the best two methods to propagate perennial herbs is simple stem layering and mound or stool layering. This is due to the growth habits of the typical herbs that people grow.
Herbs that Can be Propagated by Layering
The best herbs to propagate by layering are perennial herbs with soft woody stems. You will want to pick an herb that has flexible stems or branches that can easily be bent to touch the ground without breaking. Here is a good example of a lavender stem that is perfect for layering propagation.
I would not recommend layering propagation for annual herbs as these are much more easily started by seed. If you want to find out the three most important factors for herb seed germination – click here.
Perennial herbs that do particularly well with the simple stem layering method are: thyme, lavender, oregano, winter and summer savory, and tarragon. All of these herbs have a similar growth pattern with longer stems that often times trail along the ground.
Perennial herbs that I would recommend trying the mound layering method are: sage, and rosemary. These are best suited for this method and they grow in a more upright position.
Really there is no right or wrong method. As long as you can shape the stem into the position you want – any method will work. When selecting a method for your perennial herb, just look at the natural growth pattern and try to keep to that as much as possible.
Layering Propagation Steps
The best time of year to start your layering propagation projects is in early spring or summer. This is because it is relatively still cool, and there is a higher chance of rain. Also, you will be giving your new plants more time to establish before the colder months. With any of the methods listed below it is important to keep the soil consistently moist while the new plant is rooting.
Any branch that you will be burying in the soil must have the leaves removed from that section. You do not want any leaves attached underground. It is also a good idea to scuff the branch slightly with your finger nail so that roots may form more easily. If you are using one of the methods that requires you to bury your stem, you can use a metal or wooden pin or rock to hold your stem in place. Even though there is dirt over top, you don’t want the stem to accidently pop up out of the ground. You should bury your stem about 3 cm deep.
It is also important to select a healthy, pest and disease free stem. You can think of it like selective breeding in a way – choosing the best stems will produce the best plants.
Here is a closer look at each method.
Simple Stem Layering
Simple Stem Layering is where you take a longer stem, prepare as noted above and bury one section. You will leave the tip sticking up out of the ground with leaves on it still. Once the stem has rooted, you will separate it by cutting the stem in between where it leaves the mother plant and enters the ground to form roots.
Mound or Stool Layering
It is best to start mound layering during the spring when the leaf buds begin to show. You will want to cut the plant back, and then mound over with soil. New stems will root into mound and can later be separated by gently digging down in the dirt to find roots and the trimming below the roots. If you have a lot of green leaves on the newly rooted plant it is a good idea to trim them down so the new root system has less leaves to try and maintain.
You can encourage this method naturally when pruning thyme in spring by adding a few handfuls of compost in the middle of the plant
Tip Layering
Tip Layering is where the very tip of a plant stem is bent down to the soil and buried. New roots will form from the tip, and then it can be separated from the mother plant by cutting the bent section and planting elsewhere.
Serpentine or Compound Layering
Serpentine or compound layering is a technique that can produce many new plants off of one stem. You will bend a stem over bury a section then have it come up above soil level, only to bend it over and go under the soil again. You can do this as many time as you have length of stem to work with. I picture this like that fun dragon roller coaster ride you went on as a kid at the fair. Once rooted you will cut the sections above the soil level behind the roots.
What Materials Can Be Used to Layer?
Regular potting soil, peat moss, saw dust, and compost all make great materials to use for layering propagation. The main thing is to select a material that can hold moisture well.
It is also important to select a material that is not too heavy. This way the roots will be able to develop and grow through the soil with ease. By choosing a lighter soil it will also be more oxygenated which will aid in the plant growth and root development.
I have found great success by just using my regular garden soil, and then mulching over the top. For reference, my garden soil consists of a sandy garden mix topped with composted sheep manure. I like to use a natural wood mulch.
How Long Does Layering Propagation Take?
Most perennial herbs will root in between one to two months with layering propagation. However; the time it takes for your new plant to root will vary. It will depend on the time of year, the weather, as well as the plant variety that you are trying to propagate. Generally if you have started layering in the early spring, you should be able to separate your newly rooted plant that same season.
You can check to see if your plant has started to root by gently digging down in the soil with your fingers to see if you find roots. Another option if you are using the simple stem layering or tip layering method is to very gently tug on the stem to see if there is some resistance. One you have confirmed there are roots, you can trim the new plant off the mother plant and re plant it where you would like. You could choose to plant it in a container or just straight into the garden. There is no rush to separate the new plant as it will live perfectly fine still attached to the mother plant.
Comment below and share what your favourite method of layering propagation is.
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