Infinite rosemary: a practical guide to propagating branches in water and never buying seedlings again.
Imagine having a pot of evergreen rosemary, ready to give that Mediterranean touch to meats, vegetables and breads – and even produce new plants without spending anything.
Good news: with a simple glass of water and some healthy branches, you can multiply the bush indefinitely.
The water propagation technique is easy, economical and produces strong seedlings in just a few weeks.
1. Why use rosemary?
- Plenty of resistance – tolerates heat, wind and lack of water better than many cacti.
- Strong flavor and aroma – thin leaves concentrate essential oils, ideal for roasts, focaccias and infusions.
- Extra benefits – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as a reputation for boosting memory.
- Aesthetics – lilac-blue flowers and compact foliage adorn everything from the garden to the kitchen windowsill.
2. Materials Checklist
Item Observations Young rosemary branches (10–15 cm) Prefer green shoots, not woody ones Clean scissors or utility knife Sterilize with 70% alcohol Clear glass cup or jar Makes it easier to monitor the roots Filtered or rain water Less chlorine = better rooting Light substrate (soil + sand/perlite) For the transplant Clay pot with drain Extra humidity control
3. Step by Step: Roots in Four Weeks
- Select branches
- Cut 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node .
- Discard woody, diseased or pest-infested branches.
- Prepare the stakes
- Remove leaves from the bottom 5 cm .
- Keep the top leafy: it continues photosynthesis without competing with new roots.
- Put in water
- Fill the jar until it just covers the leafless part.
- Place in a well-lit location, but without direct sunlight (hot water = rot).
- Maintenance
- Change the water every 2–3 days .
- Gently rinse the bases; discard any cuttings that have darkened.
- Wait for rooting
- White roots appear between 14 and 30 days (ideal temperature: 18–25 °C).
- Ready for transplanting when they reach 3–5 cm .
4. Trauma-Free Transplant
- Substrate : 2 parts fertilized soil + 1 part sand or perlite.
- Pot : clay or ceramic with hole – prevents waterlogging.
- Planting : dig a hole, place the roots without crushing them and cover lightly.
- Watering : moisten well immediately; then only when the top of the soil dries out.
- Light : full sun ≥ 6 h/day; rosemary loves heat and light.
5. Behind the Trick – The Science in 1 Minute
Rosemary produces auxins , hormones that stimulate adventitious roots. Submerged, the bases of the branches concentrate constant moisture, eliminating water stress and directing energy to form roots. With no starting soil, there is less risk of fungus and almost no loss due to wilting.
- Select branches