From my perspective as a Greek Oregano plant (*Origanum vulgare* subsp. *hirtum*), the best time for you to take a cutting is when I am in my active vegetative growth phase. This typically occurs from late spring to early summer. My stems are mature enough to have some rigidity but are not yet old and woody. At this point, my cells are dividing rapidly, and my hormonal signals are primed for root production. The energy I have stored from the sun is abundant, meaning I can dedicate resources to creating a new root system without being overly stressed. Taking a cutting outside this period, especially when I am flowering or dormant, is less ideal as my energy is directed elsewhere.
Please look for a healthy, non-flowering stem on me, about 4 to 6 inches long. Using a sharp, sterilized blade is crucial. A clean cut minimizes damage to my tissues, reducing the risk of infection and allowing for faster healing. Make the cut just below a leaf node—this is a critical junction on my stem where the concentration of auxins (rooting hormones) is naturally highest. Once severed, gently remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting. This reduces surface area for water loss through transpiration and prevents any foliage from being buried and rotting in the propagation medium.
My number one need now is to prevent desiccation. Without roots, I cannot draw water from the soil. Therefore, a well-draining yet moisture-retentive medium is essential. A mix of perlite and peat or a light seed-starting mix is perfect—it holds moisture around my stem but allows oxygen to reach the developing root tissues. Before you place me in the medium, dipping my cut end in a rooting hormone powder can be beneficial. This supplement provides a concentrated dose of auxins, strongly stimulating the initiation of root primordia (the beginnings of roots).
Once planted, I require consistent moisture and high humidity. Covering me with a clear plastic bag or dome creates a miniature greenhouse, drastically reducing water loss from my leaves. Place me in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct sun would cook me inside this humid enclosure. Over the next 2-4 weeks, a remarkable process occurs at the base of my stem. My cells dedifferentiate, essentially reverting to a more primitive state, and then reorganize to form a brand new root system. You will know I have succeeded when you see new growth emerging from my tip—a sure sign that my new roots are functional and I am ready to support more foliage.
After roots are established, I must be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions. This process, known as hardening off, involves slowly introducing me to the drier air of your home or garden by increasing the ventilation over a week. Once acclimated, you can transplant me into a larger pot with a well-draining soil mix that matches the preferences of my species. With proper care, I will grow into a robust clone of the parent plant, genetically identical and ready to provide you with the same distinct, pungent aroma and flavor.
