Could someone tell me the difference, if any,between heirloom and open pollinated? Thanks.

-- Mary Zastowny (foxpawz@gamewood.net), December 31, 2001

Answers

Response to seeds

All Heirloom are Open Pollinated but not all OP are HL, both grow true from seed. As far as being an HL,it has something to do with the age of the variety. I've heard both 50 and 100 years to qualify as an HL. My favorite book,which I can't locate right now, is Taylor's guide to HL Vegetables. It has beautiful pictures, gives general growing requirements and lists varieties. Many of the varieties have dates to show how long they have been in cultivation. Good luck in your search.

-- LaDena,Tx9 (littledena77458@yahoo.com), December 31, 2001.

Response to seeds

Thank you for the information. I'll try to find that book in the library.

-- Mary Zastowny (foxpawz@gamewood.net), December 31, 2001.

Response to seeds

Mary,

I agree with LaDenna, Heirlooms and open polinated are true to type seeds. Heirlooms have been true to type for over 50 years. Both are good, usable varieties. Heirlooms, having the longer history, also seem to be less likely to throw you something from 5 generations back. Open polinated can still have some variations since they aren't as tried and true for as long.

-- Marty in KS (Mrs.Puck@Excite.com), December 31, 2001.

Response to seeds

Hello Mary, Heirloom seeds are the seeds from plants that were never hybrid. Hybriding started about 50 or so years ago.

Sincerely,

Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), December 31, 2001.