Propagation techniques

Sexual Propagation

Seeds are the product of sexual propagation where they are produced by the maturation of the ovule following fertilisation.
Seeds are capable of creating a new plant that possesses genetic variation from its parents.
The process involves sowing the seeds either directly into the soil or into a seed tray.
Stratification and scarification techniques can improve the germination rate.
Commonly used in annual and biennial plants as well as certain types of trees.

Asexual Propagation

Also known as vegetative propagation, it allows plants to reproduce using the existing plant tissues like stems, leaves, and roots.
Clonal propagation is a form of asexual reproduction; it creates an exact genetic copy or clone of the parent plant.
Different methods of asexual propagation include cutting, layering, division, and grafting.

Cuttings

This is a type of vegetative propagation where parts of a plant are cut off and induced to form a new root system.
There are different types of cuttings including stem cuttings, root cuttings, and leaf cuttings.
Hormones are often applied to stimulate root development.

Layering

Layering involves bending a stem to the ground and covering a part of it with soil so that it may produce roots.
Several forms of layering exist, e.g. simple layering, air layering, and serpentine layering.

Division

This technique involves separating a whole plant into two or more parts, each capable of growing into a complete adult plant.
Usually done in the dormant season to reduce shock.
Particularly suitable for herbaceous perennials.

Grafting

A method where tissues of one plant are affixed onto another plant.
The grafted part, called a scion, continues to grow on the host which is known as the rootstock or stock plant.
Method used for many fruit trees and roses.

Micropropagation

This is a form of tissue culture where new plantlets are produced inside a lab under sterile conditions.
Used when conventional propagation techniques do not yield satisfactory results or in the process of commercially scaling propagation.
It has the advantage of producing a high number of plants in a short time and from a small amount of plant material.