Wave Petunia Propagation: Seed vs. Cuttings—Legal and Practical Truths

Good news for Wave petunia lovers: rooting cuttings for personal use is perfectly legal. Waves are trademarked, not patented—a crucial distinction.

The Legal Clarification

• Trademark protects the name "Wave"—you can't sell your propagated plants as Waves
• Patent would prohibit propagation entirely—Waves have no patent
• Personal propagation and growing? 100% legal

Performance: Seed vs. Cuttings

Plants grown from legitimate Ball Horticultural seed (the exclusive U.S. licensee) are genetically identical to cutting-grown plants. Both will perform the same—assuming seed authenticity.

The Wave Origin Story

Developed by Kirin Agribio (Japan) under breeder Daigaku Takeshita, Wave petunias revolutionized trailing petunias with seed-grown vigor. The "Purple Wave" won the first AAS Breeder's Cup. Today, Japan Agribio (Dutch-owned) continues the lineage.

Bottom Line

Root your Waves with confidence. Save money, expand your collection, and enjoy the same spectacular performance—just don't sell them under the Wave name.