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A gardening report published on October 2, 2026, explains how to propagate thyme, sage and rosemary from semi-ripe cuttings in mid-autumn. It recommends healthy 10–15cm shoots, a free-draining peat-free mix and moist—not waterlogged—conditions; the method’s success depends on care and is not guaranteed.
Amateur Gardening published a seasonal guide on October 2 explaining how gardeners can propagate thyme, sage and rosemary from semi-ripe cuttings, a way to raise additional plants without buying new ones. The report says suitable shoots can be collected until mid-autumn and sets out how to prepare and root them, while warning that poor drainage or excess water can cause cuttings to rot. For more seasonal propagation ideas, see softwood cuttings to take in August.
The guide, written by Chris Collins, recommends taking semi-ripe cuttings from healthy growth on this year’s shoots, with a portion of older growth at the base. That older section is called a heel. Collins says thyme, sage and rosemary are among the suitable herbs, and advises avoiding shoots that are damaged, unhealthy, unusually vigorous or unlike the plant’s typical growth. Before taking cuttings, gardeners may also want to understand when propagating a purchased plant can raise legal concerns. He favors more horizontal shoots with short gaps between leaves.
Cut each shoot to 10–15cm (4–6in), making the lower cut just below a leaf node, then remove roughly one-third to one-half of its foliage. Place the cutting in a container of free-draining growing medium. Collins uses a mix of equal parts peat-free potting compost and silver sand, then waters it and lets the excess drain away.
The cuttings should be kept in a greenhouse or propagator, where a little warmth can help. Once established, you can expand your garden with seed-saving tools. A clear plastic bag secured over the pot is offered as a substitute: sticks can keep it from touching the cutting, and the bag should be opened occasionally to release excess moisture. Keep the medium moist but not waterlogged. The article also says some leftover basil, coriander and parsley sprigs may form roots in water before being potted up; changing the water regularly is advised.
A Low-Cost Way to Multiply Herbs
For gardeners who already have established herb plants, taking cuttings offers a way to raise additional plants using material from their own garden rather than purchasing more. The advice is especially time-sensitive: Collins says semi-ripe material is available on suitable plants until mid-autumn, so the opportunity depends on the season and the condition of the parent plant.
The method also makes clear that “free” refers to the plant material, not a guaranteed result or a cost-free setup. Rooting still requires suitable containers and growing medium, or a water-rooting approach for certain herbs, as well as attention to moisture and warmth. The practical takeaway is that drainage and careful watering matter; overwatering can spoil the attempt.
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Why Semi-Ripe Shoots Matter
Semi-ripe cuttings combine current-season growth with a piece of older stem at the base. The guide identifies that basal portion as a heel and says the material is available through mid-autumn. Collins also notes that the heel contains cambium, the cells that produce roots, and suggests that increasing its size may help when preparing a cutting.
The report focuses on woody culinary herbs—particularly thyme, sage and rosemary—rather than promising the same method will work for every herb. It gives a separate, simpler option for basil, coriander and parsley: place spare sprigs in water, wait a week or two for roots to appear, then pot them in peat-free compost. The article says they can also be kept growing in water for a period if the water is changed regularly.
““At this time of year, you can make more for free by taking your own cuttings.””
— Chris Collins, writing for Amateur Gardening
Rooting Success Is Not Guaranteed
The guide provides a method, not a guarantee that every cutting will root. It does not give a success rate, a precise rooting time for thyme, sage or rosemary, or a timeline for when those new plants will be ready to transplant. Results may depend on the health and type of shoot, growing conditions, warmth and moisture management.
It also does not specify exact greenhouse temperatures, how often to water, or how large the heel should be. The water-rooting suggestion applies to basil, coriander and parsley in the report; it should not be read as a claim that every herb can be propagated the same way. Gardeners will need to monitor their cuttings and respond to the conditions they are growing in.
Keep Cuttings Warm and Checked
After planting, keep the pots in a warm, light spot, away from direct sunlight if using a plastic-bag cover. Check regularly that the medium remains moist but not waterlogged, let excess water drain, and open the bag from time to time to reduce trapped moisture. The report does not set a fixed date for rooting or transplanting, so gardeners should check for root development rather than rely on a stated schedule.
For water-rooted sprigs of basil, coriander or parsley, the next step is to pot them in peat-free compost once roots form, which the guide says may take a week or two. Collins’s article directs readers seeking further organic gardening advice to Garden Organic and points to Amateur Gardening for additional tips.
Key Questions
Which herbs does the guide recommend for semi-ripe cuttings?
It names thyme, sage and rosemary as suitable herbs. Choose healthy shoots with this year’s growth and a portion of older stem at the base.
How long should the cuttings be?
Trim shoots to 10–15cm (4–6in), cutting just below a leaf node. Remove about one-third to one-half of the leaves before planting.
Can I take cuttings without a propagator?
Yes. The article suggests covering the pot with a clear plastic bag and using sticks to stop it touching the cutting. Keep the bag in a warm, light place out of direct sunlight and open it occasionally to release excess moisture.
Why might herb cuttings rot?
According to Collins, poor drainage or overwatering can cause rot. Use a free-draining medium, let excess water drain away and keep it moist rather than waterlogged.
Can herbs be rooted in water instead?
The guide says leftover sprigs of basil, coriander and parsley can be placed in water. Roots may form in a week or two; change the water regularly, then pot the sprigs in peat-free compost if desired.
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