Whats the difference? Heirloom, Hybrid, Open Pollinated and GM seeds? Heirloom Seeds Heirloom varieties are seeds that have been saved and passed down from generation to generation. Seeds that have been saved well over 50 to hundreds of years. These are the thousands of plant varieties that our forefathers and they saved the seeds to plant the following year. These varieties have better flavour, are hardier and have more flexibility than hybrid varieties. Breeders cannot manipulate complex characteristics such as flavor as easily as they can size and shape. Heirloom seeds are also Open Pollinated, (OP). This means that the plant is capable of producing seeds that will produce seedlings just like the parent plant. Hybrid (usually having the symbol F1 or F2 beside the variety name) A hybrid is a plant that has been cross pollinated by two different plants in order to create the best features from each “parent” plant. A hybrid seed is not “bad” and can produce a desirable crop. They are bred to have a variety of traits from disease resistance, early maturation, flavor, productivity, etc.. Cross pollination happens in nature; This is exactly how so many different varieties of vegetables came to be. They cross pollinated and through nature became naturally more resistant to diseases and fungus. They grew stronger, better tasting fruit, and eventually stabilized to become it’s own variety. Another difference you want to keep in mind when purchasing your seeds is whether you are want to save the seeds. If you do, then you need to make sure and buy Heirloom varieties. These seeds will produce the exact same plant as the generation before. Hybrid plants will not. It’s not known which trait will be more dominant until the seed is grown out and it’s next generation of seeds may be sterile or inferior. So if your plan is to save seeds, then buy Heirloom. Genetically Modified Seeds One thing to remember, hybrid plants are NOT genetically modified or GMO seeds. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) can be any plant, animal or microorganism which have been genetically altered using molecular genetics techniques such as gene cloning and protein engineering. Why buy organic seeds? If you grow them organically wont they be organic? Many conventional seeds are sprayed with anti fungals and pesticides. You can definitely buy non organic, non GMO, untreated seeds. However, By buying organic you are not only supporting a movement but also being assured that the seed will take on stronger traits usually in flavor and hardiness. *Tip – When you buy your seeds, save what you don’t use in the freezer. They should keep for about 3 years. check our website: seedsaustraliaonline.au for our range of organic, open pollinated and heirloom seeds.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 07:43:03 +0000
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