Cuttings vs seeds: How should petunias be grown?

Petunias can be propagated from either seed or cuttings, each with its own pros and cons. However, recent advances in seed breeding have made seed propagation a more attractive option for growers. Takii explains the benefits of growing seeds in this article.

The case for cuttings
Many growers have traditionally favoured cuttings for their faster growth cycle, believing they produce higher-quality plants. However, cuttings come with considerable upfront costs, including labour-intensive production processes and royalty fees. They are also more susceptible to disease.

The benefits of growing from seed
Growing petunias from seed provides a lower-cost solution, with no royalty fees and easier logistics. Although seeds take slightly longer to mature compared to cuttings, they offer more flexibility and lower risks, such as spoilage and virus transmission.

Why seed is the smarter choice for modern growers
Switching to seed-grown petunias offers several advantages for today's growers looking to improve efficiency and profitability.

Lower costs, higher returns
Seeds are less expensive than cuttings, offering a more affordable entry point for growers. The absence of royalty fees reduces the overall cost per plant, resulting in higher profitability. While the production cycle is slightly longer, the cost savings are significant and the overall returns are more favourable.

Flexibility to meet market demand
Retailers, whether discounters or premium brands, require flexibility in their supply chains. Seed-grown petunias allow growers to adapt quickly to changing market demands, especially for spot orders. Seeds can be stored and sown when needed, unlike cuttings, which have longer lead times and more complex production processes.

Reduced risk of disease and spoilage
Cuttings carry the risk of virus transmission, which can impact crop quality. In contrast, seed-grown petunias significantly reduce this risk, offering a more stable production method. Seeds are also more durable and easier to store, reducing the risk of spoilage during transport.

Consistent availability and reduced waste
Retailers often follow the 80/120 rule, where growers must supply up to 120% of the ordered volume, but retailers only commit to buying 80%. Cuttings, being perishable, can lead to wastage if not sold in time. Seeds provide a more sustainable solution, as any excess can be stored for future use, minimising waste and ensuring consistent availability.

The quality of today's seed-grown petunias
There is a longstanding perception that cuttings produce higher-quality plants, but modern seed breeding has closed that gap. Seed-grown petunias now match or even surpass the quality of those grown from cuttings, offering uniformity in colour, shape and size. With seed, growers can expect strong, resilient plants that consistently meet the high standards of retailers.