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An Amateur Gardening article published on Oct. 2, 2026, explains how gardeners can propagate thyme, sage and rosemary from semi-ripe cuttings in early autumn. It recommends healthy shoots, free-draining peat-free compost and steady moisture, while warning that waterlogged mix can cause rot. The report does not provide success rates or guarantee that cuttings will root.
The article, written by Chris Collins, advises choosing healthy shoots and avoiding growth that is damaged, unhealthy, unusually vigorous or atypical for the plant. Collins favors shoots that grow more horizontally and have short gaps between leaves. The older section at the base of a cutting is called a heel.
Cut shoots to 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches), making the lower cut just beneath a leaf node. Remove roughly one-third to one-half of the foliage, then place the cuttings in containers of peat-free cutting compost. Collins describes a mix of equal parts peat-free potting compost and silver sand, which should be watered thoroughly and allowed to drain.
The cuttings can be placed in a greenhouse or propagator, where some warmth may help them root. A clear plastic bag secured over the pot is another option for maintaining humidity; sticks can keep it from touching the cuttings. The article advises keeping the mix moist but not waterlogged and opening a covered pot periodically to release excess moisture.
Make More Plants From Existing Herbs
Taking cuttings offers gardeners a way to expand an existing herb collection without buying new plants. That can be useful for people who want more thyme, sage or rosemary for garden beds, containers or cooking, although the guide does not quantify potential savings or report a rooting success rate.
The instructions also emphasize the balance between humidity and drainage. A cover can reduce moisture loss, but excess water in the compost may lead to rot, according to the article. The approach relies on simple household materials as alternatives to specialist equipment, making propagation accessible to gardeners without a propagator.
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Why Semi-Ripe Cuttings Suit Autumn
Semi-ripe cuttings combine new growth from the current year with a heel of older growth from the previous season. Collins says this material is available on suitable herb plants until mid-autumn, placing the advice within a limited seasonal window rather than presenting it as a year-round method.
The article focuses on woody perennial herbs—thyme, sage and rosemary—for this technique. It also mentions a separate option for soft sprigs of basil, coriander and parsley: these can be placed in water, and, if roots form, potted into peat-free compost. Collins says those herbs can also remain in water for weeks if the water is changed regularly.
““You can make more for free by taking your own cuttings.””
— Chris Collins, Amateur Gardening
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Rooting Results Depend on Conditions
The guide does not give a time to rooting for semi-ripe cuttings, a success rate, or a schedule for checking when they are ready to pot on. Results may depend on the plant material and growing conditions, but the article provides no comparative data on those factors.
It also does not specify an exact temperature or watering frequency. Its practical direction is to provide some warmth, keep compost moist without saturating it, and ventilate plastic covers occasionally. The report does not claim that every cutting will take root.
herb propagator with humidity cover
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Check Cuttings Through Autumn
Gardeners following the method can take suitable material while it remains available, through mid-autumn, then monitor the pots for excess moisture and maintain a warm, light position. For a plastic-bag cover, the article recommends opening it from time to time and keeping the bag clear of the foliage.
For basil, coriander and parsley sprigs, Collins suggests waiting a week or two for roots before potting them into peat-free compost. The article does not provide a further timetable for the woody herb cuttings, so their progress will need to be checked as they grow.
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Key Questions
Which herbs does the semi-ripe cutting method cover?
Chris Collins recommends it for thyme, sage and rosemary, using healthy shoots with a heel of older growth at the base.
How long should each cutting be?
The guide says to cut shoots to 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches), just below a leaf node, then remove one-third to one-half of the foliage.
Can I propagate herbs without a propagator?
Yes. The article suggests covering the pot with a clear plastic bag and securing it with an elastic band. Keep the bag from touching the cutting and open it periodically to release excess moisture.
Can herbs root in water instead of compost?
The article says leftover sprigs of basil, coriander and parsley can be placed in water. It advises waiting a week or two for roots before potting them into peat-free compost; changing the water regularly may let them remain in water for several weeks.
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