Have you ever been curious about starting plants from seeds, only to find it’s not as easy as it seems?
Well, you and me both, fellow gardeners.
While some plants might thrive from a simple seed toss into the soil, others have their own preferences when it comes to growing methods.
Starting plants like roses, rosemary, or even onions can turn into a big headache. Not only might they struggle to thrive, but they’ll also test your patience with their slow growth. That’s why exploring alternative planting methods is the smart move.
Today, I’ll highlight some plants I’ve noticed shouldn’t be grown from seeds. But hey, if you’ve stumbled upon more, I’m all ears!
1. Growing Roses From Seeds Won’t Get You Anywhere
Yep, roses are types of flowers that grow better from cuttings or seedlings because growing them from seeds can be quite the challenge.
Even if your rose bush manages to bloom, it might not inherit the same traits as its parent plant (which can honestly be a bit of a bummer).
I bet we all want beautiful roses in our gardens, but sometimes they grow and bloom at a snail’s pace. So, it might be time to switch up your approach and go with the cuttings instead!
This might be helpful: Follow These Easy Tips To Rid Your Roses Of Aphids And Keep Your Garden Blooming Beautifully
2. Potatoes Prefer Tubers Over Seeds
We all know that potatoes are super simple to grow, but did you know that these root veggies don’t grow from seeds? Nope, they sprout from tubers or seed potatoes!
Same goes for sweet potatoes – they come from cuttings, not seeds.
So, if someone tries to sell you the best potato seeds, don’t bite ’cause it’s a total scam!
You might like: Surprising Downsides Of Sweet Potatoes You Need To Know Before Planting
3. Start Your Blueberries From Cuttings
Dreaming of your own berry patch bursting with juicy blueberries? You’re not alone!
If you are considering growing blueberries this season, skip the seed route, no matter if you’re planting them in the ground or in pots.
While growing from seed is possible, it’ll be a waiting game of several years before you see any fruit. Plus, there’s no guarantee they’ll inherit all the good traits from their parent plant, kind of like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get (thanks Tom Hanks!).
Instead, opt for bushes or cuttings for berrylicious fruits!
4. Rosemary Can Be Slow If Grown From Seeds
You probably already know that rosemary grows like crazy! However, it often favors alternative growing methods over starting from seeds.
Germination is a bit slower, so this herb takes its sweet time to sprout and even longer to grow big enough for harvesting!
That’s why turning to cuttings is the better choice because you get to avoid the long wait for seeds to sprout. But if you’re in a hurry, growing rosemary from store-bought plants can also do the trick.
Related: 8 Tips For Taking And Starting Rosemary Cuttings
5. Go For Nursery-Grown Saplings If You Are In A Hurry For Some Fruits
You are probably already aware that fruits take a bit longer to grow, but if you start them from seeds, it can truly become a waiting game.
In fact, some fruit trees can take several years to bear fruits, and even then, there’s no guarantee that the fruit will be top-notch. That’s why, if you’re eager to get your hands on some homegrown fruit ASAP, it’s best to opt for nursery-grown saplings.
But please remember to be patient because you can’t grow fruit-bearing trees overnight!
Also read: 10 Bare Root Fruit Trees Perfect For A Bumper Harvest Next Season
6. Onions Come In Sets
Onions, just like potatoes, are a bit different from your usual veggies. They don’t grow from seeds; instead, they start from something called onion sets.
Planting sets (those baby bulbs) is quicker and easier than starting onions from scratch with seeds. Plus, sets are less likely to get sick and need less maintenance than regular ones.
So, while you’ll still need to time your planting right, choosing sets over seeds is a decision you won’t regret!
Remember, each plant has its own preferences, and trying different methods, like using cuttings or buying plants from a nursery, could make things easier.
Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep growing!