Answer to Question 1It is important to use proper timing for taking softwood and semihardwood stem
cuttings. These cuttings are taken after the current or present season's growth has at
least partially matured or hardened. The wood for semihardwood cuttings should be
able to bend, but generally snaps if bent at an angle greater than 70 to 80 degrees. The
softwood cutting is taken while there is still active terminal (tip) growth. This type of
wood is very soft and breaks with a snap.
Answer to Question 2It is necessary to produce some plants asexually because they are either sterile, meaning
they don't produce seeds, or they are difficult to grow from seed.