herb growing blog6

Propagating Herbs and Sharing With Friends

At Botanvia, we believe gardening is not just about growing — it’s about sharing. Whether you’re passing along cuttings of mint to a neighbor in Jeddah or gifting a pot of basil to a friend in Riyadh, herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding plants to share. Here's how to propagate herbs at home — and multiply both plants and joy.

Fresh herbs in pots being divided and prepared for planting

3 Easy Methods to Propagate Herbs

Different herbs respond better to different propagation methods. Here's how to match the right approach with the right plant:

1. From Seed

Great for beginners, seed propagation works especially well with fast-growing herbs like basil, dill, and parsley.

  • Use a moist, sterile seed-starting mix in trays.
  • Provide bottom heat with a heat mat (ideal in Saudi Arabia's cooler winter nights).
  • Place trays under a grow light or near a bright window, and remove humidity domes once sprouts appear.

2. From Cuttings

Herbs with woody stems — like rosemary, sage, and tarragon — root easily from cuttings.

  • Cut 4–5 inch stems below a leaf node, remove lower leaves.
  • Dip in rooting hormone and insert into moist vermiculite or seedling mix.
  • Cover loosely with plastic to retain humidity and place in indirect light.

Even soft-stem herbs like basil can root in water — just place cuttings in a jar on a sunny windowsill.

3. From Division

Spreading herbs like mint, oregano, and thyme can be divided with ease.

  • Gently dig up the root mass and separate it into smaller sections by hand or with a clean knife.
  • Replant divisions into pots or directly in the garden, and water thoroughly.
Mint cuttings in water being shared as gifts

What to Propagate — and How

Here’s a quick reference to common herbs and the best way to propagate them:

  • Direct Sow (Outdoors): Dill, chamomile, cilantro, borage, fennel
  • Seed Start Indoors: Basil, lemon balm, parsley, lemon verbena
  • Cuttings: Rosemary, sage, tarragon
  • Division: Mint, thyme, oregano, lavender

When Are Propagated Herbs Ready to Plant?

Seedlings: Once they have 2–3 sets of true leaves.

Cuttings: When roots offer resistance to a gentle pull.

Divisions: Can be planted immediately with regular watering.

Always acclimate indoor-propagated herbs to the outdoor environment over 5–7 days, especially under the strong Saudi sun. Begin with shade, then slowly introduce full sunlight.

Share the Green

Herbs are more than plants — they’re stories, memories, and flavors. When you propagate herbs and share them with others, you spread a little piece of your garden, and a lot of joy. Whether it’s gifting rosemary to a friend or trading basil starts with your neighbor, propagation is one of the simplest ways to grow your garden — and your community.

Grow together. Share generously. Thrive with Botanvia.