To propagate Stachys (commonly known as Lamb’s Ear), the easiest method is by division in the spring, where you dig up the entire plant, separate the root ball into smaller sections with a sharp knife or by hand, ensuring each section has roots and shoots, and then replant the divisions individually; you can also propagate Stachys from seed, but division is generally considered the quicker and more reliable method.
Key steps for propagating Stachys by division:
Prepare the plant: Water the plant a day before dividing to make the roots easier to separate.
Dig up the plant: Carefully lift the entire root ball from the ground using a spade.
Separate the clumps: Gently pull apart the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has both roots and shoots. Trim damaged roots: Cut away any dead or damaged roots.
Repot immediately: Plant the divided sections in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing.
Other points to remember:
Timing: Spring is the ideal time to divide Stachys.
Seed propagation: If you want to grow from seed, sow indoors a few months before the last frost, and lightly cover the seeds as they need light to germinate.
Cuttings: While possible, propagating Stachys from cuttings is less common than division.