By Julia Silva. Many garden plants, including those sold in nurseries, are initially produced from cuttings. This method provides a way to duplicate existing plants genetically — and you can do it at home for your favorite plants!

In fall, many plants can be rooted well in a growing medium, including herbs and some natives like Turk’s cap, flame acanthus and cenizo.

Others, particularly woody plants, will require a root stimulator or rooting hormone, as outlined below.

• Rosemary. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in September-October. Cut 4- to 5-inch stems. Remove the lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining mix. Keep the soil moist, in bright indirect light and avoid overwatering to prevent rot. New leaf growth in 4 to 6 weeks means roots are forming.
• Salvia. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in September. Snip 3- to 4-inch tip cuttings, strip off lower leaves and pinch off flower buds. Keep in bright shade and mist frequently until rooted. Firm stems and resistance when tugged lightly mean roots are forming.
• Turk’s cap. Take softwood cuttings in early September. Take 4-inch green stem cuttings before flowers fully form. Use a rooting hormone, maintain high humidity (with a dome or bag) and bright but indirect light. New shoots forming at the base of the cutting mean roots are forming.
• Roses (and other hardwood shrubs).  Take cuttings in late October-November. Cut 8- to 10-inch dormant wood pieces and bury halfway in moist soil. Keep outdoors in a protected spot; avoid full sun until spring. Watch for swelling buds in late winter/early spring.
• Lavender. Take semi-hardwood cuttings September-October. Take 3-inch cuttings from non-flowering stems, strip the leaves and dip in rooting hormone. Use a sandy soil mix and avoid excess moisture. Watch for fragrant new growth from the tip.

Tips for success:

• Cut in the morning when stems are full of moisture.
• Use a sharp, clean tool to avoid crushing tissue. Cut directly below a node and take a cutting with at least three nodes above the cut. Use the smallest cutting possible as bigger pieces are harder to establish.
• Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant at least two nodes under the soil where the roots will form. (Leave the upper node in the air to produce leaves and buds.)
• Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy!

Roots should begin to develop in one to four weeks, first appearing as thin white strands. Keep your plants in bright indirect light and avoid full sun until fully rooted. After a month, your cuttings should be ready to transfer into larger pots.

Julia Silva is a conservation field investigator for SAWS. She grew up on George Road alongside Medina Lake, fishing and swimming. From a young age, Julia has believed in the importance of conserving water, preserving our environment and protecting our wildlife. She enjoys camping with her family and friends during meteor showers. A licensed irrigator with plans to continue her education, Julia is an avid believer that knowledge holds power.