Taking cuttings from your rosemary is usually the first step if you want to propagate it. Using the right tool for the task is highly recommended as it reduces the risk of problems and helps ensure successful rooting and growth. This article explores your different options for tools that can be used for taking cuttings but let’s get straight to the point and start with the best tool for the task.
The best tool for taking rosemary cuttings is a pair of sharp and clean pruning shears. Pruning shears ensure clean cuts, increasing the chance of successful rooting while also reducing the risk of damaging the cutting and the plant itself and minimizing the risk of introducing pests and diseases.
If you don’t already have pruning shears, I cannot recommend getting some highly enough. In my opinion, it is THE most important garden tool (other than perhaps a hand trowel or a shovel) as it is both versatile and easy to use.
In this article, I go into more detail about why pruning shears are the best tools for taking cuttings. I also explain what you can do if you need to take some cuttings from your rosemary and don’t have access to pruning shears.
Why Pruning Shears Are Best for Taking Cuttings
Pruning shears are ideal for taking rosemary cuttings. They might not be the only tool you can use for it but they are definitely the best.
Pruning shears are considered the best tool for taking cuttings for several reasons. These are the most important reasons in my opinion.
- Pruning shears are designed to make clean and precise cuts. This is essential for plant health as it minimizes the risk of damaging both the plant and the cutting. The sharp blade ensures a smooth cut rather than jagged, which reduces stress on the plant and allows it to heal quicker and the cutting to root more effectively.
- Pruning shears are easy to handle and control. This allows for more precise cuts than if you were to use most other tools even on small and delicate stems, which is what you are mostly working with when taking cuttings from herbs like rosemary. In addition to that, the fact that pruning shears are small and easy to use increases efficiency when taking cuttings.
- Pruning shears allows for good garden hygiene. They are easy to clean and sterilize which is important to prevent the spread of pests and diseases between plants. Always keep your pruning shears clean.
If you don’t already have pruning shears, I highly recommend getting some as soon as possible. I will briefly cover what to consider when buying pruning shears now and then give a specific recommendation.
What To Consider When Choosing Pruning Shears
We are all unique and have different needs. This is also true when it comes to finding the best pruning shears since we use and grip them differently. That’s why there is not one brand and model of pruning shears that can be considered the best.
Don’t worry though. I will explain what you need to consider when choosing pruning shears now to make it as easy as possible for you to find some good ones.
Other than the quality and sharpness of the blade, the most important thing to consider when choosing pruning shears is how they feel when you grip them and use them.
That’s why I like to go to physical stores where I can actually feel the things I want to buy. That way, I know for a fact that they fit my hands and the way I grip them.
However, if you don’t have time to go to a physical store, you can always order pruning shears online. The ones I use the most these days are available online, for example here on Amazon. I like them because of the quality, simplicity, and the fact that they are inexpensive. This is what they look like.
Here is a full list of what to consider when choosing pruning shears.
Type of pruning shears
For rosemary and most other herbs and vegetables, go for bypass shears. This type of pruning shears has two curved blades that bypass each other like scissors, making them ideal for cutting through plants. That’s the type I use as you can see in the photo above.
Quality and durability
Stainless steel and high-carbon steel blades are excellent for durability and sharpness. Some pruning shears also have a non-stick coating to reduce sap build-up and friction. Mine from the photo above has this coating and while it is not a must-have, I find it very useful.
Handle comfort
One of the most important things to consider for your garden tools is that they feel good to hold and use. Make sure you get some pruning shears that feel good in your hand.
Cutting capacity
Different pruning shears can cut through branches of different thicknesses. Make sure you get some that support your needs.
Safety features
A good pair of pruning shears should have a reliable locking mechanism to keep the blades closed when not in use.
Many pruning shears, including mine, also have a spring mechanism to automatically open after each cut, thereby reducing hand strain.
Brand and warranty
I want to make it very clear that you do NOT have to go out and spend a bunch of money on the fanciest pruning shears you can find. There is absolutely no need to overspend. The pruning shears I show and link to above are very inexpensive considering how good they are.
I recommend buying from a reputable brand known for high-quality gardening tools. Either talk to the people at the garden center, as they are often very knowledgeable, or read some reviews online.
Again, I use these (link to Amazon) and in my opinion, they fit the above criteria very well.
Weight
Make sure the pruning shears are lightweight enough so that it won’t become hard or annoying to carry them around outside for a while.
Price
This one speaks for itself. Consider how much you are willing to spend on pruning shears. As I wrote earlier, there is no need to overspend.
Specific features
Some pruning shears come with features such as rotating handles to reduce wrist strain, a spring to automatically open the shears when cutting to reduce hand strain, or a non-stick coating to help keep the blade clean.
Consider what you absolutely need (the safety features are especially important) and what would be nice to have when choosing pruning shears.
If you don’t have pruning shears and you need to take cuttings from one of your plants at this very moment, chances are you have something else that can be used. I cover some other tools and items you can use now.
Other Tools That Can Be Used for Taking Cuttings
Pruning shears are best for taking cuttings but several other tools can also be used for the task and even ensure clean and precise cuts, which are essential for successful propagation.
Here are some tools that can be used for taking cuttings.
- Pruning shears
- Scissors
- Sharp knives
- Razor blades
- Scalpels
Again, pruning shears is the best tool for taking cuttings. The others should be used as backup methods only but that being said, they can be used to get nice, clean, and smooth cuts when taking cuttings.
If you don’t have any of these items, it can be tempting to just break off the stems with your hands to get some cuttings but this is not recommended. I will explain why it is a bad idea now.
Taking Cuttings by Breaking the Stem With Your Hands
It can be tempting to break off stems with your hands if you don’t have pruning shears nearby, but I do NOT recommend this.
Taking rosemary cuttings by breaking off the stems with your hands is not advisable for several reasons.
Breaking stems with your hands results in uneven, jagged cuts which can damage both the plant and the cutting. It also increases stress on the plant, causing the healing process to take longer, and increasing the risk of introducing pests and diseases.
Additionally, the chance of successful rooting with a cutting that was broken off the plant this way is much lower than if you used pruning shears or another tool to get a nice clean cut.