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How to split creeping herbs

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.

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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

Corsican mint plants

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

Potting up Corsican mint

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.

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