why we prefer seed grown
Growing from Seed
"planting seeds directly into the soil or a growing medium to initiate the growth of plants"
Enhancing Adaptability and Quality
At Wyevale, our commitment to providing top-quality hedging plants has led us to embrace the practice of growing them from seed wherever feasible. While not all of our hedge plants are propagated this way, we grow from seed where possible.
In 2023 over 80% of our new stock is seed grown. Furthermore we grow seeds of British provenance where possible to make our plants even more native to the UK.
Sowing from seed offers several significant benefits, ensuring healthier, more adaptable plants for our customers.
Nurturing Adaptability through Seed Propagation
Seed sowing is a natural and time-tested method of cultivation that allows us to harness the inherent genetic diversity within each hedging species. This diversity plays a vital role in enhancing the adaptability of the plants to different environmental conditions. Unlike other propagation methods like cuttings, which produce genetically identical clones, seeds introduce natural variation, enabling the plants to develop traits better suited to local climates and soils.
Growing from seed in the UK is especially beneficial to the success of the plant compared to plants that have been imported (gov.uk reports in 2021 91.8% of trade value plants and commodities were imported). As the seed and plant have grown in the actual enviroment of the final destination it will live in.
Native protection
Safeguarding Plant Health and Biodiversity
At Wyevale, we understand the importance of maintaining plant health and preserving biodiversity. While the seeds themselves pose no concern, we are vigilant about safeguarding against potential plant health issues that may arise when introducing grown plants from different regions.
Our dedicated team employs rigorous measures to ensure that our hedging plants remain healthy and free from potential diseases. We are Plant Healthy accredited by nurturing these plants within our UK-based nursery, we eliminate any potential risks, associated with introducing non-native pests or diseases to the local ecosystem.
The same can not be guarenteed for fully grown imported plants which in recent history have had some tragic cases such as the fungus ash dieback and boxwood blight.
Maintaining a controlled environment and adhering to stringent hygiene protocols ensures that our plants remain in optimal health throughout their growth journey. This commitment allows us to deliver healthy, vibrant hedging plants to our customers, which will contribute positively to their gardens without compromising local biodiversity.
More about how we grow
Our awards
Why transplants
