Vegetative Breeding

Take cuttings of only the best material

If you spot an unusual plant out of a bunch of seedlings, either as a selection or from the result of cross-pollination, you can often reproduce the plant vegetatively (by cuttings). This can be a quicker alternative to replicating your plant than trying to ensure that the seed it produces comes out exactly as it should.

Simply take cuttings from the plant, preferably using material from the base. Also avoid the use of any shoot tips with buds or flowers on it, as they will produce poor plants. This type of method is generally more successful with perennial plants or shrubs as opposed to annuals. If you are provided with a choice of similar type plants, some will be better at reproducing vegetatively than others. They might have more plant material available for cuttings at the base or in the middle of the plant. If so they should be selected in preference to others.

When you have a suitable number of plants from cuttings send them to Thompson and Morgan. Place the plants in a zipped plastic bag with holes punched in the top for air movement. The area around the roots should also be wrapped in damp tissue so that the plants do not dry out. Then simply label, and package them in either a small box or envelope for shipment.