If a seed says neither hybrid nor heirloom, what should you assume?

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I come across many seed packets that fail to specify whether theyre heirloom or hybrids(ferrymorse beefsteak tomato). In cases like this, can you just assume that theyre one or the other?Also, is there such thing as a non-hybridized modern(non heirloom) breed? I was informed lf this and tried to do some googling on it but am not finding anything on it. Im only finding the heirloom vs hybrid argument

Featured Answer

farmerdill

3 years ago

Hybrids will always specify except maybe a fly by knight vendor. The others will be OP. Heirloom has many definitions, but in all cases are OP. The Ferry Morse Beefsteak is the original. Original name Henderson's Scarlet Ponderosa. Some improvements as well as many name changes over the years

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Comments (7)

BlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
3 years ago
I would say that it would likely be an open pollinated seed that doesn't meet the requirements for heirloom. It didn't have a human physically controlling it to make it a hybrid, but it doesn't have the heritage to claim heirloom status.

Making no claims, it could be possibly be either or neither.
Kevin Reilly
3 years ago
What does it matter? If you want that varie then plant it. Hybrid only matters if you were want to save seed from it
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Peter (6b SE NY)
3 years ago
Hybrids say F1 or rarely F2 after the name. If it doesn't, and it isn't noted an heirloom, it is probably just an ordinary open pollinated variety, which is the case here as others have noted.
lgteacher
3 years ago
Look up the name of the variety and you should be able to find out. You may have to visit more than one website, but it shouldn't take very long at all.
party_music50
3 years ago
If it doesn't specify, I assume it's a hybrid... but I also research varieties to double-check.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
I'm with Kevin. Unless you are wanting to save seeds, it doesn't really matter.