Heirloom Garden Seeds and Plants
Heirlooms are among the most popular and sought after seeds, by avid and
dedicated gardeners. Heirlooms are special, producing uncommon flowers,
vegetables and herbs. They may have come from Grandpa or Grandma's garden.
Or, they may be an "old fashioned" favorite. The roots of the term goes back
to the 1930s, and the arrival of hybrid plants.
Heirloom Seed Definition: The literal definition of an heirloom seed,
is any variety handed down from generation to generation of family gardeners.
It can be a flower, a vegetable or an herb. In reality, the seed may not
be literally "handed down". Many of these "handed down" varieties are sold
by seed companies. To qualify as an heirloom seed, it must have existed prior
to the arrival of Hybrids in the 1930s.
What qualifies a seed as an heirloom seed? There is no universal agreement
on the definition. Here are traits commonly used to define an heirloom:
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The age of the seed. It can be traced back many years. It is a seed that
has been around before 1930, when Hybrids arrived on the scene. (Before GMO
seeds, too.)
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Family or generational linkage. A seed that has been grown in a family for
generations is called a family gem.
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Historical value. For example, a plant variety grown in George Washington's
garden, would certainly be considered an heirloom.
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The seed must be non hybrid... it does not derive from a hybrid. Everyone
agrees on this.
-
An heirloom seed must not be genetically altered. Everyone also agrees on
this point as well. See GMO vs. Non-GMO
Also.......
Do Heirloom seeds and plants need to be organic? While we encourage organic
heirloom gardening in general, there is no requirement that heirlooms need
to be organically grown.
Can a seed company grow and sell an heirloom seed? Sure! And, most seed companies
do. They just need to meet the above qualifications.
Related Topics:
Survival Seeds - Learn the definition. Organic
seeds make great Survival seeds.
GMO vs.Non-GMO- a hot topic for some
Heirloom Seeds for Sale - Buy Heirloom tomato, and many
other herb, flower and vegetable heirloom plant seeds.
Organic Seeds -
learn the definition. To qualify, they need to be USDA Certified Organic.
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