I don't think that your definition of transformation is exactly appropriate. A lot of engineering would still be required to make the new world capable of even hosting plant life as we know it. If you decide to plant on new worlds, there is a really low probability of it growing.
As for if this technique would work on Mars I don't think that it would be so easy, at least not if you try to terraform with plants. A lot of resources and brainwork would have to go into terraforming mass. Of course, after terraforming, we would have to introduce plant life from Earth and if we are sure of the absence of native life, I don't think that you can describe any of those plants as invasive ones. Comparing the transformation of Mars to the creation of an effective ecosystem on Ascension island is like comparing building a sand castle to building a skyscraper.
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For sure. I alluded to additional challenges on Mars or other bodies. Even getting to Mars is a huge obstacle for us now. But a lot of brainwork has already gone into this issue, as I understand it. If/when the time comes, they will be ready.
A couple of related links:
https://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/livingthings/25feb_greenhouses.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terraforming_of_Mars
Terraforming of Mars
Terraforming of Mars is a hypothetical process of planetary engineering by which the surface and climate of Mars would be deliberately changed to make large areas of the environment hospitable to humans, thus making the colonization of Mars safer and sustainable.
There are a few proposed terraforming concepts, some of which present prohibitive economic and natural resource costs. As of 2018 it is not feasible, using existing technology, to carry out any activities that significantly increase the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) pressure or provide any significant warming of the planet. Any climate change induced in the near term is likely to be driven by greenhouse warming produced by an increase in atmospheric CO2 and a consequent increase in atmospheric water vapor.