How long does rooting typically take?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Succeed at propagating from cuttings by knowing how long roots will take to grow. Soft-stemmed herbs like basil will take 1-2 weeks to root, and woody plants like rosemary will take up to several months - rosemary can take 2-6 months. My first basil cutting was rooted in 9 days, while the lavender cutting was rooted in 11 weeks. Factors like temperature and humidity always add variability to the regulated environments when rooting.
Optimal Conditions
- Use nodes - the bumpy stem sections where roots emerge
- Maintain 70°F (21°C) with seedling heat mats
- Provide bright indirect light - direct sun dries cuttings
Avoid Slowdowns
- Replace water every 3 days to prevent bacteria
- Trim lower leaves to focus energy on roots
- Use rooting hormone for stubborn species
Overwatering inhibits rooting in woody plants. My cuttings for rosemary rotted until I started using a gritty soil mix. Humidity domes are a good idea, too - reuse some plastic containers. Check for white roots through clear jars. Slow growth usually just means you need to adjust the light or warmth, not that it has failed.
Common Fixes
- Check node placement - submerge fully in water/soil
- Increase ambient temperature by 5-10°F
- Switch from tap to filtered water if roots yellow
Once they are rooted, please share cuttings. My gardening club trades over 100 plants a year! You should also take note of progress if you can label your cuttings with dates. Please avoid city or patented hybrids noted with ® symbols. Sustainable propagation takes time and patience, even slow ones like fig trees eventually reach fruition.
Read the full article: The Complete Guide to Grow From Cuttings Successfully
