Vegetative reproduction is reproduction where the parent plant is genetically identical to it’s offspring and is asexual reproduction. The offspring reaches maturity faster than a plant grown from seed, and in some cultivars can only be reproduced vegetatively.
The benefits of vegetative reproduction are:
- retains the characteristics of the parent (eg: apples)
- avoids any seed dormancy problems
- it is the only way to reproduce some plants
- matures more quickly than a plant grown from seed
The disadvantages of vegetative reproduction are:
- there is a limit to the amount of material available for cuttings
- no variation
- diseases and viruses can be passed on to the new plant
- might need special propagative environments
- requires skill to carry out
There are a few different methods of vegetative propagation listed in the syllabus. You should learn an example for each type.
Bulbs – propagation is by division of offset bulbils produced by the lateral bud. eg: Narcissus “Tete a Tete”.
Corms – propagation is by the division of the corms formed around the sides of the original corm by axillary bud. eg: Crocus
Rhizomes – these horizonal, underground stems are cut in to suitable sections. Each section should have a node which can root. eg: Iris germanica
Stolons (runners) – horizonal, above-ground stems which put down roots at their nodes. eg: Fragaria vesca
[Suckers – are stems growing from the ground which do not come from the plumule.]
Stem tubers – formed in the roots and able to split from the parent in the soil to form a new plant. eg: Solanum tuberosum
[Root tubers – are food stores and do not develop in to a new plant. eg: Dahlia]
Division – used for hardy perennials, the clump the plant forms is lifted in the autumn or spring and divided. eg: Phyllostachys
Layers – Used for woody shrubs. More details in the cuttings section.
Cuttings – cut a part of a plant and encourage it to grow. This method is artificial – the others can occur naturally.
Gardening studies 