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Lavender cuttings smell like rotten eggs ...!

laurensimmonds30j3npN-iklaurensimmonds30j3npN-ik Posts: 7
in Problem solving
I took 4 cuttings from a lavender plant and followed a guide on the garderners world site where I put them in a small pot with compost and a good hand full of grit. I put a plastic bag over the top and tightened it a bit so it would stay warm, as I don't have a greenhouse. I kept them inside near a window sill for the sun. I removed the bag every few days to make sure compost remained moist. After about 1.5 weeks it started to smell like rotten eggs and I had to throw them away :( what did I do wrong ?

Posts

  • laurensimmonds30j3npN-iklaurensimmonds30j3npN-ik Posts: 7
    Also I am very novice Gardener and never done cuttings before.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Cuttings do not need sun, they are better in a shaded but light position until they grown roots.
  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    edited August 2023
    It may be that there was some ammonia in the bag of compost (from multipurose fertiliser) - nothing to do with the lavender. I've opened old bottles of tomato feed and been knocked over by the ammonia smell.
  • pinutpinut Posts: 194
    The eggy pong was an indication that something was rotting. The cause was probably poor drainage - the compost was too soggy.

    The trick to getting most cuttings to strike is to use a tall pot with good drainage which is big enough not to require repeated waterings before the cuttings strike. And, to insert the cuttings into the growing medium as deep as possible.

    At this time of the year, you can leave them outdoors uncovered. I place mine at the foot of a big tree for dappled sun or amongst other plants where they will benefit from the humidity of a micro-climate generated by those plants.
     
  • SalixGoldSalixGold Posts: 450
    I would try again. I personally don't use plastic bags and cuttings seem to strike fine. Don't put cuttings in an outer pot - that way you can always see that the cuttings aren't standing in water. Lavender doesn't like to be too damp - doesn't want over watering and really will not be happy sitting in an inch of water. Let any water drain away fully. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree with @fidgetbones. Far too hot if on a sunny windowsill, and it doesn't even need a lot of sun at this time of year to have a negative effect. Nothing copes with that.
    Light but cooler sill, or outside in a sheltered spot.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Eggy smell is a sign of anaerobic decompostion (H2S, mercaptans).  Too wet, too hot, not enough air circulation.  Correct these and keep trying.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
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