Plant Propagation 101

Every gardener should learn the basics of plant propagation so you can make lots of plants for cheap or free. The two primary methods are starting from seed or cuttings.

Planting Seeds

Marigolds planted from seed are now being transplanted to a 4″ pot. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS

Growing plants from seed ensures you have good genetic diversity, as each seed and seedling will be genetically unique. For beginner gardeners, it is best to grow open-pollinated or heirloom seeds, since hybrid and GMO seeds may not come true to type and may be patented. Each plant species has its own protocol for seed planting. Plant smaller and slower growing seeds, like tomato, in a 50-cell or small seed flat. Larger and quicker germinating seeds, like sunflower, can be started in 4″ pots or directly sown in the garden. Saving seeds is another important skill for gardeners, so you can keep growing year after year.

Tips for Growing Seed:

•Plant the right seed at the right time

•Use the right sized container

•Planting depth should be twice the size as the seed

•Check for ideal seed germination temp.

•Seeds are viable for relatively short time 1-3 years

Making Cuttings

Twinflower, a native Florida ground cover, grows easily from cuttings. Photo: Tia Silvasy, UF/IFAS

Growing plants from another piece of plant is called making a cutting, or a close. This is a vegetative plant propagation method that is asexual, and does not require flowers, pollination or seeds. The benefits of growing plants from cuttings include the clones are genetically identical to the parent plant, the plants are uniform in appearance, and they have a shorter time to mature and produce flowers and fruit.

To Make a Cutting:

•Identify the nodes, the part of the plant that produces leaves, roots, and flowers

•Cut a 4 – 6” section of plant and include at least two nodes, one under the soil for roots to grow and the other above ground for leaves to grow

•Remove lower leaves and remove flowers

•Stick the cutting in potting soil and water in

•Keep the cutting moist but not wet in partial shade for a week or two

•Move the cuttings to increase sunlight and reduce the watering as new growth appears

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