Vegetatively Propagated Cultivars

Abstract

Plant varieties which have originated under cultivation are called cultivars (singular abbreviation cv.). They are of two principal types: (1) those which are mainly propagated vegetatively by division, cuttings, grafting, budding and nowadays sometimes also by rapid in vitro techniques, and (2) those which are mainly propagated by seed. Most perennial horticultural plants fall into the first category and annuals and biennials into the second. However, a few perennial species such as Anemone coronaria, Cyclamen and runner bean, all of which produce storage organs and can be grown as perennials, are almost invariably seed propagated. The usual reasons for resorting to seed propagation of perennials are the difficulty of rapid vegetative propagation, the short-lived nature of plants of the particular species, and disease problems. A few perennial ornamentals, including Begonia, Delphinium, Lilium and certain Lupinus, Pelargonium, Primula and Viola species are regularly propagated both by seed and vegetatively. To a lesser extent this also applies to certain vegetable species such as asparagus, chicory and seakale.