5 Herbs to Propagate in Late Summer

As late summer rolls in, many gardeners may think it is too late to start new plants. However, this time of year is perfect for propagating certain herbs, whether from cuttings, division, or seeds. Propagation offers a simple and cost-effective way to expand your herb garden, ensuring a fresh supply of aromatic and flavorful plants year- round. Here are five herbs you can successfully propagate in late summer, although there are more, I will just talk about 5.

1. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme is a versatile herb that thrives in sunny conditions and well-drained soil. Late summer is an excellent time to take cuttings for propagation. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4-6 inches long. Strip the leaves from the lower half, then place the cuttings in a pot of moist potting mix. Keep it in a warm spot with indirect light until roots develop. Once established, thyme can be transplanted n the garden or kept indoors for a steady supply throughout the cooler months.

2. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary is another handy herb that can be easily propagated from cuttings. Choose semi-hardwood stems, which are firm but not woody, and cut sections that are about 6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a mix of sand and compost. Keep the soil slightly moist and place the pot in a bright spot with indirect light. Rosemary's resilience makes it an ideal herb to propagate in late summer, giving it plenty of time to establish before winter.

3. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano is a robust herb for late summer propagation. Take 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant, focusing on mom-flowering stems. Like Thyme and Rosemary, remove the lower leaves before planting in well-drained soil. Oregano roots quickly in warm conditions, makibg late summer ideal. After a few weeks, once roots are formed, the plant can be transplanted intp a sunny garden spot or grown in a container.

4. Sage (Salvia officiinalis)

Sage is a reliable herb that benefits from propagation in late summer. It can be grown from cuttings or by dividing a mature plant. For cuttings, select non-flowering stems and prepare them as you would Thyme and Rosemary. Alternatively, if you have a well-established sage plant, you can dig it up, divide the root ball, and replant the divisions. Sage cuttings should be placed in a well-draining mix and kept in a warm location until they root. This helps refresh older sage plants and ensures a steady supply of fragrant leaves.

5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm is a fragrant, easy-to-grow herb that responds well to late summer propagation. While it can be grown from seeds, cuttings are the fastest way to get new plants. Cut a 4-5 inch piece of healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or directly in soil. Keep the cutting in bright spot with indirect light. If rooting in water, wait for roots to develop before planting in soil. Lemon Balm tends to spread, so propagating a few cuttings can quickly result in an abundant supply.

Tips for Successful Planting

1. Use Healthy Parent Plants--Always take cuttings from plants that are healthy, disease-free, and thriving.

2. Use Well-Draining Soil--Herbs prefer well-drained soil, so use a mix that promotes healthy root growth.

3. Provide Consistent Moisture--Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Too much water can lead to root rot.

4. Be Patient--Propagating herbs take time. While some may root in a few weeks, others might need more time before they are ready to be transplanted.

Final Thoughts

Late summer is an ideal time to expand your herb garden by propagating these five herbs. With just a few cuttings and some basic care, you will have fresh, fragrant herbs to use in your cooking and remedies year-round. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, these techniques are simple and rewarding. Happy growing!