What is the most common method for propagating herbaceous plants?

The most common method for propagating herbaceous plants is through cuttings. This technique involves taking a portion of the plant, usually a stem or leaf, and placing it in a suitable growing medium where it can develop roots and grow into a new independent plant. Cuttings are particularly popular because they allow for the reproduction of the parent plant with the same genetic characteristics. This method is efficient and can lead to quicker results than other propagation methods, particularly when dealing with plants that may not readily produce viable seeds or where the seed germination process can be slow and cumbersome.

While layering, seed propagation, and division are all viable propagation methods, they each have their specific contexts and limitations. Layering, for example, requires the plant to be in a certain growth stage and is usually used for specific types of plants. Seed propagation can be less reliable for some herbaceous plants, especially if the seeds have low viability or require specific conditions to germinate. Division is often used for perennial plants where clumps can be split into smaller sections. However, for a broader range of common herbaceous plants, cuttings remain the most straightforward and effective method, especially in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse.