Seeds vs Clones

There are two primary methods for starting a plant: from seed or from a cutting.

Starting a plant from a seed involves planting a seed in soil or another growing medium and allowing it to germinate and grow into a mature plant. Because the seed contains a unique combination of genetics from its parent plants, each seed will produce a slightly different plant, even within the same species. This can result in a range of different phenotypes with varying characteristics, which can be desirable for breeders or growers who are looking for specific traits.

Starting a plant from a cutting, on the other hand, involves taking a cutting from an existing plant and rooting it in soil or another growing medium. Because the cutting is genetically identical to the parent plant, the resulting clone will have the same characteristics as the parent, including its phenotype and potency. This can be advantageous for growers who want to replicate a particularly desirable plant, or for those who want to maintain a consistent genetic profile in their crop.

There are pros and cons to each method. Starting from seed allows for greater genetic diversity and the potential for unique phenotypes, but can also result in more variation and uncertainty in the final product. Starting from a cutting offers greater consistency and predictability, but can also result in plants that are more susceptible to disease and pests.

Ultimately, the decision to start from a seed or a cutting will depend on the goals of the grower or breeder, as well as the specific species and growing conditions involved.