Recently, I engaged in a discussion about the difference between hybrid and heirloom seeds. After the discussion, I was not entirely clear about several terms discussed. Therefore, I did my own research on understanding the difference in seeds.
This post will review two topics. First, how seeds are pollinated. Second, characteristics of different seed types. In addition, to learn how to start plants from seeds then read my blog “The complete guide to starting seeds indoors“.
POLLINATION
OPEN POLLINATED
Open pollinated refers to plants that have been pollinated naturally by wind, insects, birds, or human hands. Since there is no restriction on the flow of pollen, open pollinated varieties are more genetically diverse and can also adapt better to local growing conditions.
Open-pollinated plants will remain consistent from year to year as long as pollen is not shared between different varieties of the same species (e.g. between a Brandywine tomato and a San Marzano tomato). There are multiple benefits of open pollinated seeds including: (1) the ability to save seeds, (2) seeds are less costly and (3) the resulting food usually has better flavor.
In the picture at the left, you can see the description ‘open pollinated’. Not all open-pollinated seeds will have this description. Therefore, if neither open-pollinated nor hybrid is indicated, then the seed is likely an open-pollinated variety.
HYBRID
With hybrid seeds, pollination is controlled by human intervention. When the pollen of two different species or varieties is cross pollinated a new hybrid variety is the result.
A hybrid seed labeled ‘F1′ means it’s the first cross pollination of two species or varieties. Hybrids are created to take advantage of a specific trait or traits (such as high yield, disease resistance, improved color or taste).
Experimentation with hybrids began in the 1920s and by the 1930s farmers were using hybrid corn seeds. Hybrid seeds are genetically unstable and cannot be saved for use in future years. In addition, the plants would not be true to the initial seeds. Also, it should be noted, that hybrid seeds are not the same as genetically modified (GMO) seeds. GMO seeds have changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering as opposed to traditional cross breeding as in a hybrid.
If you look closely at the seed package on the left, you will see the word ‘hybrid’. Hybrid seeds must be labeled as such. In general, hybrid seeds are more expensive than open-pollinated seeds.
OTHER SEED CHARACTERISTICS
Besides how seeds are pollinated (e.g. open pollinated or hybrid) there are also additional characteristics of seeds that you will see labeled on packages.
HEIRLOOM
Heirloom’s are seeds that have been around for more than 50 years (1951 and prior) of a specific cultivated variety of plant. Think of them as an antique that was handed down through generations of gardeners/farmers. Heirloom varieties are open pollinated which means that the plants have been pollinated naturally by wind, insects, birds, or human hands.
Seeds saved from open pollinated varieties will generally produce plants mostly identical to their parents. In addition, heirloom varieties provide an important benefit by preserving biodiversity (variability among living organisms) within our ecosystem. Genetically modified seeds cannot be considered heirlooms.
In looking at the image on the left, the package is clearly labeled as a heirloom. You may pay extra to purchase a heirloom variety.
ORGANIC
Organic seeds originate from plants where the grower is certified in the practices defined by the organic standards of a country. In the US, the governing body is the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program’s rules and specifications. Organic farming practices include the reuse of resources, preserving biodiversity and prohibit the use of chemical fertilizers.
Organic seeds can be open pollinated, hybrid or heirloom. In the US, you must see the USDA ORGANIC symbol as printed on the package at the left. If this symbol is not present, then the seed has not met the standards of the USDA program.
BIODYNAMIC
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