Types of Non Seeded Plants

Plants have evolved to become quite prolific at reproducing themselves. While their primary reproduction method remains with the seed they produce, plants are also capable of reproducing using non-seeded, or asexual, methods. Humans exploit this trait, especially in the commercial nursery industry, by large scale propagation of trees, shrubs and perennials using non-seeded methods. On a smaller scale, non-seeded plant propagation can also be practiced with great success by the home gardener.

Roses

Growing slowly from seed, both the species type and hybridized rose varieties (Rosa spp.) are primarily cultivated using non-seeded methods. Because both species and hybrid roses rarely produce seedlings that resemble the parents from which the seed originated, rose seedlings are primarily grown only in the development of new hybrid varieties. Roses cultivated commercially for the nursery trade are virtually all non-seeded and reproduced asexually using grafting, layering or cuttings. The home gardener who wishes to increase their supply of roses can also successfully use these asexual methods of propagation on a smaller scale.

Fruit Trees

Rarely grown on their own roots, commercially produced fruit trees are the product of a combination of reproduction methods. Small branches of the desired variety are grafted to the roots of a fruit tree "root stock" variety. These root stocks are almost always grown from seed. Most desired fruiting varieties of fruit trees grow slowly and poorly when grown on their own roots, even if reproduced in a non-seeded way. Grafted to the roots of fast-growing "root stock," the desired fruiting varieties acquire the vigorous growth habit of the root stock and thereby grow more vigorously. The above-ground portion of the tree is made up of the desired fruiting variety, which exhibits all of the characteristics of its specific variety, including its fruit. It also exhibits the vigorous growth habits gleaned from the root stock onto which it is grafted.

Perennials

Almost all herbaceous perennials produce seed, but many are grown using non-seeded methods. This is due in part to their growth habit that increases the size of their roots and above-ground stems and leaves each year. Eventually the plant becomes crowded, flower production suffers and they must be dug up and divided. These divisions are then sold as perennial starter plants. Woody perennials---both those that die down to their roots each fall along with trees and shrubs---are most often propagated using cuttings, layering or grafting. These non-seeded methods of propagation take much less time to produce nursery stock large enough to transplant or sell.