Agastache is an interesting perennial, both aesthetically and for its culinary and medicinal uses. This hardy plant can be propagated by sowing, division or stem cuttings. Unlike sowing, cuttings produce a plant identical to the original. So if you'd like to take Agastache cuttings to share with family, friends or neighbours, follow our step-by-step guide to successful propagation.

agastache cutting

When to take Agastache cuttings?

The best time of year to take cuttings is August. The cuttings should be semi-woody stems from the current year's growth. These are also known as semi-hardwood cuttings. Having grown in spring, they begin to lignify in summer, transitioning from softwood to hardwood. They can be identified by their soft, flexible tips and firmer, brownish base.

How to take Agastache cuttings?

1) Required materials

materials for agastache cuttings

Cloche and rooting hormone

2) Prepare the pot

Place a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom of the pot. Then fill with seed compost or a 50/50 mix of compost and sand. Finally, make a hole about 5cm deep in the growing medium using a pencil.

3) Take the semi-hardwood cutting

First, select a young stem from the current year's growth that hasn't flowered. Check that it shows no signs of damage or disease. The cutting shouldn't have any flower buds - if it does, remove them. Then, using sharp, sterilised secateurs, cut the tip of the stem at an angle below a node to obtain a 10-15cm section. Finally, remove the lower leaves, keeping only those at the top.

taking agastache cuttings

4) Propagate under cover

This propagation method involves covering the cutting with a lid after placing it in its pot. This creates a humid environment that encourages root growth and prevents the plant from drying out.

  • To help root development, you can optionally dip the base of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
  • Insert the cutting into the pre-made hole in the growing medium.
  • Firm the soil around the cutting to ensure good contact and water gently.
  • Cover with a cloche, bottomless plastic bottle or plastic bag supported upright with wooden sticks inserted into the compost. The plant mustn't touch the sides as this may cause rotting.
  • Place the pot somewhere warm and bright, but out of direct sunlight.
  • Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and ventilate every 2-3 days.
  • Overwinter the young plant in a frost-free location until spring.

agastache cutting tutorial

5) Transplant in spring

The Agastache can be transplanted into the ground the following May, after the last frosts. Water the cutting when planting and regularly during its first year.

Further reading