How to split creeping herbs

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Monday, 19 August 2019 at 2:38 pm

Discover how to split creeping herbs like Corsican mint, pennyroyal and lawn chamomile in autumn, to create more plants.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
To do

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on pinterest
Share on whatsapp
Share on blogger
Email to a friend

As the weather turns colder in autumn, it's sensible to be prepared and insure your precious herbs against damage from winter cold and wet.

You can take semi-ripe cuttings from shrubby herbs such as lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) and rosemary, or divide low-growing herbs such as Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) and overwinter them in small pots, in a cold frame or cold greenhouse.

The following steps can also be used for lawn chamomile and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium).

You Will Need

Large modules or small pots
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Corsican mint

Total time: 30 minutes

Step 1

Fill modules with multi-purpose potting compost. Firm in well. Dig up some Corsican mint, or remove side shoots from a pot-grown plant and cut into sections, each with some roots attached. Cut off excess roots or top growth.

Step 2

Gently push the roots into a hole in the compost. Back-fill with more compost and firm so that the top growth is on the surface. Water well and place in a cold greenhouse, or on a cool windowsill. Don't let the compost dry out.