The idea of propagating plants through cuttings may seem overwhelming to new gardeners, but with proper instruction, it can be easily accomplished.
In the following, you’ll learn everything you need to know about rooting marjoram cuttings in soil or water, some tricks on how to make your cuttings root faster, and easier ways to propagate marjoram.
So if multiplying your marjoram is something that interests you, read on.
How To Root Marjoram Cuttings in Soil
Rooting marjoram cuttings in soil is a great way to propagate this flavorful herb. To get started, you’ll need some supplies:
- Marjoram cuttings
- Growing medium (specialized rooting mix, sand, perlite, peat moss, vermiculite, or a blend of these)
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- A container with drainage holes (clear plastic cups with holes added are perfect!)
Directions:
- Snip off your cuttings during periods of vigorous growth, such as late spring or early summer.
- Choose healthy stems that are at least 4 inches long and have several sets of leaves on them.
- Cut just below a leaf node using sterilized scissors or pruners, and remove any flowers or buds from the cutting.
- If desired, dip the end of each cutting into rooting hormone powder to promote faster root growth and increase success rates.
- Fill your containers with a moistened growing medium, and make a small hole about 2-3 inches deep for each cutting.
- Once planted firmly in place, place the cuttings in an area of bright indirect light where they won’t be disturbed.
- Water lightly and consistently until new roots form.
- In 3-4 weeks, you should find tender white roots actively growing from each cutting. Gently tug on each cutting. If you feel resistance, it has rooted!
- If any show no signs of development, toss them, and try again with fresh cuttings after sterilizing the containers.
- When the roots are a few inches long, transplant them into larger containers filled with fresh nutrient-rich soil where they will continue developing further.
How To Root Marjoram Cuttings in Water
Rooting marjoram cuttings in water is a quick and easy method that’s perfect for beginners. To get started, you’ll need:
- Marjoram cuttings
- Clean glass jars
- Fresh, clean water
Directions:
- Taking cuttings from your marjoram in late spring or early summer using sterilized scissors.
- Choose healthy stems that are at least 4 inches long and have several sets of leaves on them.
- Place cuttings into individual glass jars filled with clean, room-temperature water.
- Move the jars to an area with plenty of bright indirect light.
- Change out the water every few days until roots begin to form. This should take about 2 weeks.
- Once roots are several inches long, carefully remove each cutting, and transplant them into pots filled with a high-quality potting mix (I use this moisture-control mix).
- Water thoroughly after planting, and again whenever the top of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Super-Easy Method To Multiply Marjoram – Plant Layering
Layering is a form of propagation that involves taking a stem from an existing plant and rooting it in soil while still attached to the parent plant.
Layering can be a useful propagation technique for various plants, including marjoram (and its close relation — oregano). Here’s how you can propagate marjoram by layering:
Timing: The best time for propagating marjoram by layering is late spring or early summer when the weather is warm and humid and growth is active.
Directions:
- Start by selecting a healthy stem on your existing marjoram plants that is at least 8 inches long and has several sets of leaves.
- Gently bend the stem so that the portion just before the tip touches the ground, and use a small rock or landscape staple to hold it in place.
- Cover the area where you bent the stem with some moistened potting soil until only about 1 inch of stem remains exposed above ground level.
- Once roots start forming at the point where the stem is touching the ground, carefully cut it from the parent plant using clean scissors or pruning shears.
- Carefully lift the baby plant from the ground, being careful not to damage the roots.
- Transplant your new marjoram into its own pot filled with fresh potting mix or into a prepared area of your garden.
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering as too much water can cause root rot issues.
- Fertilize every few weeks using a balanced fertilizer solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep an eye out for pests, such as aphids, that can damage young plants before they become established.
With proper care, these rooted marjoram cuttings should eventually grow into full-sized mature plants.
Another Easy Method To Multiply Marjoram – Plant Division
Propagating marjoram by division is a great way to increase your stock with only minimal work involved.
Timing: The best time to divide your existing marjoram plant is in early spring when the weather starts to warm up. This allows enough time for the new plants to establish themselves before winter sets in again.
Directions:
- Start by digging around the base of the existing plant until it can be easily lifted out of its current location.
- Utilize a sharp blade or pruning shears to carefully cut the root ball in half.
- Once divided into two sections, replant each section into its own container or place in the garden.
- Ensure that each section gets adequate sunlight (at least 6 hours per day), and water regularly (about once every week).
- Fertilize each newly planted section every few weeks using an organic, all-purpose fertilizer (I use this one and get amazing results).
With proper care, these newly divided plants should thrive.
Best Soil Mix for Rooting Cuttings
When it comes to propagating cuttings, the soil blend employed is just as crucial as the cutting itself for successful outcomes. The right soil mix can help promote root growth and ensure that your new plants thrive.
The best soil mix for rooting cuttings should be light and airy with good drainage. It should also contain some organic matter to provide nutrients for the roots.
A good mix could be made from a combination of peat moss, perlite, sand, and vermiculite. This will create a well-draining yet nutrient-rich environment that encourages healthy root development.
Alternatively, you could simply purchase a soilless rooting medium, like this one that is specially formulated to prevent root rot — the bane of gardeners everywhere.
Is Rooting Hormone Necessary?
Rooting hormone is not necessary for all cuttings, but it can be beneficial in some cases. It is a chemical substance that helps stimulate root growth and development in cuttings taken from existing plants.
The hormones are typically found in powder or liquid form and contain auxins, which are plant hormones that promote cell division and elongation of the stem.
Using rooting hormone when propagating in water is not recommended, but many people (myself included) believe that using it when rooting in soil really does make a difference.
How Often To Water Cuttings in Soil
When rooting cuttings, it’s important to thoroughly moisten the potting mix before inserting your cutting. This will help keep moisture around the stem to prevent the cutting from drying out.
After that initial watering, you should check for dryness every few days by feeling 1-2 inches below the surface of the soil with your finger.
If it feels dry, it’s time to water again. If you detect moisture, hold off watering, and check back in a day or two.
Maintaining adequate moisture is essential for root growth, so ensure the soil remains damp but not overly saturated.
How To Make Cuttings Root Faster
First of all, make sure the cutting is at least 4 inches long and has several sets of leaves on it.
If you’re using a rooting hormone, dip the bottom inch of your cutting into the powder before planting to help promote root growth. This isn’t necessary but can give your cuttings an extra boost for faster results.
Utilize a soil mix that is light and airy but not too nutrient dense. Check that water drains quickly before using it to avoid fostering root rot.
Keep your cuttings warm by either using a seedling heat mat or placing them near a heat source like a heating vent if possible — just make sure they don’t get too hot or too dry.
Increase humidity levels by misting regularly or covering loosely with plastic wrap until rooted (make sure there are holes for air circulation).
Water cuttings gently every few days as needed — usually when the top of soil feels dry.
Avoid overwatering, which could lead to root rot.
Place cuttings in bright indirect light, ideally near an east-facing window. This will encourage strong healthy root growth without burning delicate foliage.
Closing Thoughts
Growing marjoram from cuttings is a great way to expand your garden and get more of your favorite herb.
The key to success is patience as it may take several weeks for the cuttings to root, but with some care and attention, you’ll soon be enjoying your new marjoram plants and may even have enough to share with friends and family!