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Just a few more words about the importance of growing plants from seeds, even if a lot has already been written about this subject.
Leaving aside the fact that one can obtain plants not offered in regular garden centers – we all need them to show off our skills and knowledge, don’t we?, the most important reason of growing plants from seeds, is that they will be genetically variable.

Even if the seeds of a certain species look the same, they each contain a different DNA. Same like the children of a couple being  different, seedlings from a mother-plant, even if they look the same, they are different at the genetic level.

One seedling may grow faster and be more adaptive, one will remain shorter, one will have slightly larger flowers, and another one may get different flower colors! It is called genetic variability, a trait that it is nowadays more important than ever.

Genetic variability allows for a better adaptation to climatic variations, various soils, and a better resistance to pests.  

Most commercially produced plants are vegetatively propagated. They all LOOK and ARE the same, aka. they are clones; in case of adverse conditions, they will all react the same.

Propagation by seeds will always help the conservation of biodiversity, not only of plant species, but of all other life forms with which they are tightly interconnected. For this reason, we have to persevere, even if we are not successful all the time.

Over the years, I personally failed to germinate many species, or lost seedlings in the first stages. But, the essence of all ‘seedholics’ is that we remain optimists and always hope to do better next time!

All this being said, many thanks again to all passionate gardeners who continue growing plants from seeds. I also extend my many thanks to the few friends contributing with seeds for our Shop.

I’ll end quoting the chief of worldwide ‘seedholics’, plantsman Panayoti Kelaides from his last article in the ORG&HP Journal on the importance of seeds:
“Let’s reverse the clonal tsunami, please!”

Thank you all again – to the seeds and sowing!