selfseed

Selfseed is a term used in horticulture to describe a plant's ability to produce viable seeds that germinate and grow without deliberate sowing by humans. Plants with this trait are commonly referred to as self-seeders or volunteer plants. Self-seeding can occur when a plant completes its life cycle and drops seeds that survive in the soil and germinate in the next season, or while the parent plant remains, depending on species. The seeds may be dispersed by wind, gravity, water, or animals, and some species have seed coats that break dormancy or require exposure to cold or light to germinate.

In garden practice, self-seeders can reduce maintenance by establishing new plants automatically, providing ongoing color and structure with minimal effort. They can also contribute to biodiversity and pollinator-friendly habitats. However, uncontrolled self-seeding may lead to unwanted spread, crowding of desired plants, or hybridization with other varieties.

Gardeners often manage self-seeders by deadheading, removing or transplanting volunteer seedlings, mowing or cutting back spent flowers, or planting companion species to accommodate voluntary growth. Some gardeners intentionally select and save seeds from preferred self-seeders to perpetuate desirable traits.

Common examples include many annuals such as calendula and nigella, and herbs such as cilantro, dill, and basil, as well as flowering perennials like foxglove and lupine. The specific propensity to self-seed varies widely among species and cultivars.