The fast-growing thyme can be propagated very easily via cuttings and also by division. When suitable shoots grow, you can remove them at any time during the growth period. The shoots must be he althy and robust and must not have any flower buds. Plant the cuttings as quickly as possible after cutting.
How do you propagate thyme cuttings?
To propagate thyme, you can either cut young, green softwood cuttings from the mother plant and root them in potting soil, or propagate the plant by division by digging it up including the rootstock and dividing it into he althy parts, which are then replanted.
Propagate thyme from cuttings
Thyme is usually propagated via so-called softwood cuttings. These are young, not yet mature shoots from the current year's growth. These shoots are still completely green and wilt very quickly after being cut. Softwood cuttings of thyme are planted directly in potting soil and take root within about six to eight weeks. After planting, check regularly to see if you need to water more. As with germinating seeds, you should place the cuttings in a bright location without direct sunlight.
Planting a Thyme Cutting
- Remove an approx. 10 centimeter long, strong side shoot from the mother plant.
- Cut it straight under a leaf base.
- Carefully remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Dip its underside in a hormone preparation.
- Drill a hole in a pot with potting soil using a pricking stick or pencil.
- Plant the cutting inside.
- Press it gently with the pricking wood.
- Make sure that no air pockets form around the cutting.
- Water the cutting carefully.
Reproduction by division
Dividing literally means dividing the old plant into many smaller plants, the he althiest of which are replanted. Instead of simply throwing away the old plant, it is worth cutting off some he althy sections on the outside and cultivating many he althy young plants from an old one. It is best to divide thyme in spring, as it will then sprout vigorously throughout the year and even develop flowers. How to share:
- Lift the entire plant including its rhizome out of the soil.
- This works best with a pitchfork.
- Be careful not to damage any roots.
- Shake off loose soil.
- Discard diseased parts and the middle part of the plant.
- Divide the plant into pieces with he althy roots and shoots.
- Use hand forks or a pitchfork.
- You can cut roots that are too strong with a clean and sharp knife.
- Plant the new plants immediately after division at the same depth as before.
- Make sure the roots are evenly distributed.
- Press down the soil and water the plants generously.
Tips & Tricks
Cut only from he althy plants and only from non-flowering side shoots, as these usually form roots better. Always use a clean, sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant tissue.
