Seed vs Cutting: Which Propagation Method is Best?

So, you’re ready to start propagating, but are you growing from seed or taking a cutting? In this blog, we break down the key differences between growing from seed and taking cuttings to help you decide which method works best for you.

Growing from Seed (Sexual Propagation)

Seeds are the natural method of reproduction for plants, carrying genetic material from both parent plants. When provided with the right conditions, seeds germinate and grow into entirely new plants.

Advantages of Growing from Seed:

Genetic Variation – Each plant grown from seed is unique, leading to diverse traits in terms of colour, size, disease resistance, and flavour.
Cost-Effective – Seeds are often inexpensive and easy to store, making them a budget-friendly option for hobby growers or for large-scale growing.
Ideal for Annuals and Vegetables – Plants such as vegetables and flowering annuals grow best from seed.
Disease-Free Start – Since seeds don’t carry pests or diseases from the parent plant, they provide a fresh start.
Longer Storage Life – Seeds can be stored for months or even years before planting.

Challenges of Growing from Seed:

Slower Growth – It takes a longer period of time to germinate and develop, growth is therefore slow and requires patience.
Unpredictable Results – Due to genetic mixing, plants may not look or behave exactly like their parent.
More Care in Early Stages – To germinate successfully, seeds need ideal conditions such as controlled temperature and humidity.
Germination Rate – The majority of seeds under ideal conditions will germinate at 70%-90%. Therefore, more seeds need to be planted than the number of plants required.

Growing from Cuttings (Asexual Propagation)

Taking a cutting from the stem, leaf, or root of a parent plant creates a clone of that plant. It guarantees that the new plant is genetically identical to the parent. This method is commonly used for fruiting plants.

Advantages of Growing from Cuttings:

Clones of the Parent Plant – Cuttings produce an exact replica of the original plant. This means desirable traits like fruit quality and disease resistance are preserved.
Faster Growth – Since cuttings bypass the seedling stage, they establish and mature more quickly.
Higher Success Rate – Many plants root successfully from cuttings, reducing uncertainty compared to seed germination.
No Need for Pollination – Cuttings eliminate the need for pollination, which is essential for seed production in some species.

Challenges of Growing from Cuttings:

Risk of Disease Transfer – Since cuttings come from an existing plant, they may carry pests or diseases.
Requires More Initial Care – Cuttings need proper moisture, warmth, and rooting hormones to encourage root growth.
Limited Genetic Diversity – Clones don’t offer variation, which may make them more vulnerable to changing environmental conditions.

Which Method Should You Choose?

For variety, solid hardiness, and an economical method, growing from seed is a great option. But, if you need to create many copies of the same plant, propagation from cuttings will do the job best.

Propagation Tools

Whichever method of propagation you decided to use, having the right tools can make the process easier and more successful. From trays and propagators to rooting nutrients and starter plugs, Global Air Supplies has everything you need to make propagation a success. Learn more about our complete range of propagation products here.