Patchouli Propagation

Cuttings

• If you have access to an existing patchouli plant, cut about 4 inches of new growth from the tip. Take this cutting in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, dip it into rooting hormone -- available at most nurseries -- and place the cutting in potting soil. Keep the soil moist, and transplant it into a container or the garden after about six weeks.

Seeds

• Start patchouli seeds indoors rather than direct-seeding them into the garden. Use a sterile, soilless seed-starting medium and plant them at the depth suggested on the seed packet. Mist the surface frequently and keep the seed pots in a well-lighted place.

Transplanting

• Transplant the patchouli plants when they seem well-rooted and have two or three new leaves. The outside soil should be warm (with no danger of additional frost) before establishing this warm weather perennial in a sunny garden spot.