Are Heirloom Seeds Better?

Heirloom seeds are popular among many gardeners and some organic gardeners grow them exclusively. As a result, hybrid seeds often get a bad rap. Gardener Scott discusses the reasons why gardeners see heirloom seeds as better and why hybrid seeds should be considered in the garden. (Video #238)
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[@donnastevens8832]

I buy my seeds according to what ISN'T a variety that is available to buy the crops in a store. Commercial growers don't grow a lot of varieties, and it is only by gardeners growing those 'un commercial' varieties that stops them becoming unavailable. THAT to me is a good enough reason to try a seed. If it then works well in my garden, AND I can collect more seed that grow true to type, then it deserves to be kept. Everyone has their own preferences as to what they like as regards taste etc, but not everyone can grow that same variety in diverse climates, so by trying different varieties and collecting seeds, it is possible to extend a plant to acclimate to different climates than were originally intended. When all is said and done, all seeds are preprogrammed to grow and reproduce, only the growers can decide if it is worth the time and effort expended to get the end results they want. And that, to me, is what truely makes a variety into an heirloom. If it is something that stands the test of time, its brilliant but then saying that heirlooms have to be pre 1950 etc, that has to have a cut off date, is just silly.

[@jendubay3782]

I have been working on a landrace for my tomato garden. I started by planting as many types of hybrids as I could, and cross pollinated to each other, and saved the seeds. Then grew them out. I selected the best from that generation, and crossed them. Then I planted that generation out. I selected for early development, taste, and disease resistance. I am now on generation 7, and the breed is starting to stabilize.

[@carastill5210]

Thank you for using your platform to present such factual, unbiased information on the subject. As a graduate student in plant breeding and genetics it’s really useful to see ways others are successfully communicating this information. And for the record, in my garden (and the program of plants I was growing while I was a professional grower) I love both heirloom and hybrid! They are not mutually exclusive and it’s neat to see someone on the internet who agrees!

[@lorindav5549]

When I started gardening, I used to only buy heirloom seeds. I still buy many, but I have gotten to the point in my gardening journey where I had to define what is most important to me. Tomatoes: Slicers & Cherry - taste; Paste - production, disease resistance. Green Beans: pole, round pod, freezing & canning, disease resistance. Watermelon: taste, short season. Etc. I still try to choose OP, so that I can save seed, but have no problem planting hybrids. Roasted Cherokee Tomatoes made into sauce is Heavenly, especially in the middle of winter. I do have a couple of heirlooms that not many people have that I save every year. One is a lima that a friend of my DH's shared with us. She said that their family has grown it forever. The vines are 15-20 feet and they send out laterals and produce like crazy. You do have to be sure to pick them before they shatter and fling their seeds. Most pods have 3-4 limas, but some had 5, I saved those to see if I can increase the number of limas per pod. They make the best Beans and Ham.

[@jendubay3782]

One of the best comments here.

[@lar113]

I have never been concerned with heirloom or hybrid vegetable seeds. I look for qualities such as flavor, abundance, time to maturity and freezes/cans well. This year, per advice from Gardener Scott and others on the live chat, I will grow tomatoes with the above characteristics and also disease resistance. I do have my special Roma tomato seeds that I collect every year. These seeds came from volunteer plants and produced an abundance of fruit in zone 4b, where I live. Flowers are another story, I love to collect flower seeds with a passion.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

This is very informative on tomatoes. I got some heirloom tomatoes from a Safeway store once. I saved some of the seeds, and when I planted them, I got very tall tomato plants, which bore much fruit. Cheers, Scott!

[@13hThehunter]

I always really love growing and saving seeds from hybrids, it's really fascinating to watch how diverse the genes are in the children plants. Not to mention I can create my own variety eventually c:

[@dalebrames5573]

Plant what you like and what works best in your garden while trying something new. Very good advice gardener Scott

[@jeremysipes945]

Yessir you are a favorite to watch for this very educational reason. Thank you for being generous and considerate!

[@GardenJensJourney]

Great video again Scott! I do heirloom seeds personally or open pollinated, but not hybrids. The diversity you mentioned is a main reason, along with the history, and ability to save "pure seeds." Hybrids have their place for some gardeners, for sure. Just not for me. Great job explaining the topic. ☺️

[@starshot5172]

Your videos are absolute gold to a relatively new gardener like me. This year is the first year I'm buying a piece of garden!

[@stephenmoberg8807]

Thank you for clarifying the seed stories

[@racebiketuner]

You are a great teacher.

[@cherylmcnaughton7287]

He really is!!!

[@alliem9404]

This was very helpful thank you! I'm getting ready to buy seeds for my second year of gardening (last year was.... a confidence-boosting experiment but not very productive) and so I'm watching all your recent seed videos!

[@heidiclark6612]

Thank You for the precise clarification of hybrid, Open pollinated and heirloom seeds. It can be confusing to a first time gardener. I choose varieties of vegetable based on all kinds of different aspects.

[@jenecalaplant1752]

Videos of your like this get me excited to experiment . I have over 5 projects im experimenting with . Soil cables, early garlic , potatoes in hay, pea and carrots transplanting and plate germination. Thank you for being an amazing teacher

[@jeffhurst4744]

Very informative. Simple explanations on differences. Like this very much. Thanks, again for your efforts to break down aspects of gardening.

[@matthewleenknecht3091]

This was a great explanation thank you. As a new gardener your videos have been very helpful.

[@TheTinkerersWife]

Thanks for the sound common sense information on this topic. There us so much opinion being shared as true when it's rumor.

[@LGGGlove]

Stunning presentation. I love your videos so educational. Priceless

[@tammibolender3785]

This was great information. Although it does make me want to experiment with seed saving of hybrids to see what I get.

[@old-fashionedcoughypot]

That sounds fun! The "peacevine" tomato was selected from the hybrid "sweet 100" tomato, so there is a history of people doing just that.

[@jenecalaplant1752]

I seed saved my sun golds and I live in ny. It is currently 4 feet tall and setting fruit like crazy

[@cherylmcnaughton7287]

I have added almost all heirlooms this year as I am becoming conscious of seed shortages as of late and want to be as self-sufficient as possible. I do have hybrids I love and grow each year as well, knowing I won't be saving the seed. I am trying to save money by not ordering tons of seeds each year.

[@DIGardening]

I also like sweet 100 cherry toms! I am trying Jellybean grape toms this year

[@1ugh1]

one person watching this video was a "closed pollinator" :(

[@shineyrocks390]

Lol on point 🎯 and good eye 👁️

[@derekcox6531]

I typically grow heirloom plants just in case I find one that I really like and want to save the seeds from it. 🤔 I’ve grown tons of heirloom plants that have just been a dismal fail for me, but I’ve given the seeds to other gardeners and they have had a positive growing experience.🤷🏻‍♂️ I think I just like heirloom for that reason. I can save the seeds if I find I really like the fruit. I don’t really have anything against hybrid seeds. I suppose if I was really wanting to have bumper crops of everything,every season,I might grow some of those fab hybrid plants,but my garden is mostly just for my own enjoyment,so I don’t get too picky I guess. I might try some hybrid cherry tomato seeds this year since tomato’s are what my family likes most.

[@amorris622]

Thank you so much for explaining all this. I truly appreciate your honesty and wealth of knowledge you share.

[@concert610]

I'll grow heirloom, hybrid, or anything else. However I know not to try and save the seeds for the hybrid or to collect them to see what comes up next year. I'm trying to grow a hybrid called dragon cayenne F1, it's a hybrid between cayenne and Thai pepper. I know some bush beans I'm growing are hybrid as well. In the future I wouldn't mind trying to cross my own peppers and make my own hybrid pepper. Who knows I might already have a Ghost Pepper cross from last year.

[@barbaramoersheim9048]

Great information!!!

[@tommymckiddy7872]

Good video. Heirlooms are fun to grow, if you take the time to learn the history behind them. There's so many varieties out there, and everyone should take the time to find out what works the best for them. Growing habits and flavor should be what you're looking for, not the history of the vegetable.

[@serenanorrell4962]

I think you should discuss the difference between GMO and Genetically engineered (GE) seeds.

[@Neldidellavittoria]

As always, I'm awestruck at the great variety of seeds you can get in the US market!

[@chrisrobinson6996]

Thank you now I understand the difference Heirlooms and hybrids and learned there was open pollination. If I understand correctly, since I saved some store bought seed from fruit (honey dew, kiwi gold...) I won't know what I will get since hybrid most likely or gmo? Really just doing this to experiment to see if can be done, its fun. Is this also an option for seeds? Maybe idea for video. Still waiting for my catalogs, first time very excited, that was a great video too👍

[@GardenerScott]

Yes, there's no telling what you'll get from store-bought fruit, but it can be a good experiment. I agree that's a good idea for a video.

[@j.b.6855]

I have planted seeds from store bought sweet peppers and cantaloupe. It was a good experience and they were good and were close to the original if not exactly like it. If you just want that type of plant it can help save money and allow you to get other things you may need or want. It helped me spend on other seeds and expand diversity in my garden

[@marymunoz124]

Thanks Scott! Learned a lot from this video!

[@johnjude2685]

Plans to try more types and might be able to find a new favorite. Thanks for showing and teaching Sir

[@mommajscountrygardening]

Gardener Scott, i do not have success with Kelloggs tomato plant. Last experience the summer of 2019. Last year I did not attempt. I like growing all different varieties "broaden my horizons" ... I encourage in my videos to broaden horizons and add varieties. Thank u

[@toliscy]

Thanks mr scot

[@Dreamzz101]

thank you..

[@frankanselmo5479]

Going into my second season of gardening I have been probably 99% heirloom. I love the idea of helping to save the bio-diversity of these older varieties along with their accompanying stories. And I have to say after growing several dozens of different types and varieties I can’t think of many disappointments.

[@yvencia1150]

Great video 🙂🙂

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

OP seeds are the backbone of my garden. Because of that, if I had to I could replant all my favorite staples this year using my own seed from last year and not have to spend a penny on seeds. I use hybrid seeds and starts too but I always have that backup in place.

[@maggiemanzke7926]

Great explanation, thank you. I admit to having a preference for open-pollinated seeds, but it's because I don't want to buy those seeds again. ;)

[@Thorny_Misanthrope]

Gardener Scott, do you get your seeds from a catalogue? If so, which one would you suggest? I got a Gurney’s catalogue, which seems to only have included hybrids with very contemporary names.

[@verngib9041]

Check put baker seed company!! Lots of heirloom variety!!!

[@GardenerScott]

I get many of my seeds from catalogs. I'm not a fan of Gurney's. I have a few different videos in my library that discuss the ones I like. Here's the latest: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naiqg6uLi5qmY7c

[@cleberviniciusribeirohomem]

As a prepper I need to grow seeds I can save tosow next yeart AND grow plants highly filled whith nutrients. So, heirloon seeds is the way!!! Sorry my poor english - I'm brazilian!!!

[@cleberviniciusribeirohomem]

"sorry about my poor english"

[@DanielYusim]

Consider Sungold Hybrids, as well. One of the most, if not the most, amazing-tasting hybrid. The skin cracks a little easily on ripe sungolds so pick them before rain storms but they're really an outstanding tomato.

[@GardenerScott]

Absolutely. I grow Sungold and Sun Sugar,

[@christiensgarden3325]

Great explanation on the diversity of the seeds.... While I really like the story of heirlooms they’re not as disease resistant as the hybrids just as you said...

[@donhepler294]

Nicely done. I would point out that saving seeds from tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, peas, and beans is generally easy, and I grow OP things to do selections and develop my own varieties for my microclimate and use. I find many hybrids to be more disease resistant and reliable simply because more effort is put into maintaining genetic strength by major seed growers. That is not always the case with OPs and some varieties are genetically weak since they seed growers are not concerned with maintaining genetic diversity. Also, you can't always go by the variety name, e.g., buying Brandywine seeds doesn't mean you will always get the same variety. Be cautious when you save squashes, brassicas, corn, etc., as they require more care in seed saving than do the types of seeds mentioned above.

[@carole6779]

I agree: if a seed has a story, that puts it in a special category. Maybe we need another word, lol, if "heirloom" is too controversial for the newer varieties and "open-pollinated" is too generic. I'll be trying Bison this year, along with Golden Bison, to see how they do in my short-season, 7,000 foot high-n-dry area. If they do well, then of course, I will save those seeds. Thanks for another great video! 😄👍

[@brentringger6552]

great video!!!! i have just been thinking and searching trying to get information on heirloom vs hybrid. great info explained very simply and matter of fact. have you in past saved and used hybrids seeds from last years veg. what can you expect with carrots and beets. wondering because i have some now over wintering , burpees brand . if i get seed this summer should i use them next year? I would love to hear a video on granular fertilizers..... i will go back on past videos to find one.

[@GardenerScott]

Thanks. Check on whether your carrots and beets are hybrids. I've used both carrot and beet seeds after overwintering, but they were open pollinated varieties. I don't have a video on granular fertilizers in my library, but have a fertilizer video planned for spring.

[@queenSummerKeli]

I enjoy the story of seeds. I will be doing the 3sisters and I did choose hierlooms that wpuld have been used by the Natives. Of course I am the only one who finds it sonawesome..lol! In my circles anyway. As always thanks for being so clear in your explanation.

[@ericlivingston8027]

I don't think I have many heirloom plants assuming it has to have been 50 years. My only heirloom plants I think I have is my Owari mandarin, Chelsea mulberry, lemon balm. I guess some newer plants can be more expensive due to patent fees. My gold nugget I am getting has a 2 dollar patent fee for example. I do think there importance to history of a plant but yield and taste are even more important. I certainly have bought some of these newer varieties and have gotten disease just because some of these newer ones are more prone to disease. A good example is my pink popcorn blueberries were all diseased when I got them in the mail.

[@dorlavegas]

I have had a hard time growing heirloom

[@roccoconte2960]

No desease resistance , try the hybrids.

[@cherylmcnaughton7287]

My heirlooms did great last year but very slow to germinate. I grow both.

[@cherylmcnaughton7287]

@@roccoconte2960 some heirlooms have been cultivated to be disease resistant.

[@roccoconte2960]

@@cherylmcnaughton7287 i have not seen them my family has been growing tomatoes and other veg. in the same garden scince 1949 the last few years i noticed many deseases have set in i cant grow heirlooms anymore i need desease resistants

[@yangsu2235]

The only thing I cared about is the open pollinated. If you planted seeds collected from your own garden, you will find some new stuffs after several generation, which is how nature mother working for diversities. GMO is a big concern to me .

[@dogslobbergardens6606]

Yes you start to find specific plants that do really well and sometimes crosses between two strong plants.

[@markmiller4503]

I love the meatier taste of some heirlooms

[@GardenUPLandscape]

I'm in the group that's of the opinion that heirloom should mean it's been around before hybrids were a thing. If it was crossed and made by humans then it should be called a hybrid. It's hard to know what you're buying when there are no definitions.

[@ttb1513]

I saw an heirloom seed seller say that I should plant different varieties 8’+ apart. Why all is that? I assume that is so I can save the seeds of my crop and still stand a chance to replicate. Do you have a video about how methods to insure a plant pollinates itself only, so I can plant several varieties in one bed? Great info. Thanks.

[@GardenerScott]

The idea is that the farther apart we grow plants the less likely they are to cross pollinate, but 8' won't do much for some plants if pollinators are active. I have a video about hand pollinating pumpkins and will do more during the growing season.

[@ttb1513]

Thanks. I found the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHq3pq2ggcmKoZY&feature=share You have a ton of great videos. I am particularly interested in saving seeds from heirloom tomatoes and having them be true to type and not be pollinated by other varieties planted close by.. I’ll try things out!

[@j.b.6855]

I have used the term open pollinated and heirloom interchangeably. But if being specific, I prefer open pollinated in general, be they heirloom or not. On my budget saving seed is a must. I like to be able to buy seed once and grow it over and over again for free. It allows me to add new things to the garden because I already have seeds from my plants. But I am also not against hybrids. They have a place and I have bought them. I just know that I will have to buy them again if I want that plant. On average I might buy 1 hybrid out of 10 packs.

[@frankbarnwell____]

You're giving me a headache. I've 16 types of tomato seed. None are sweet 100. lol. Trying to decide on 5 types to actually grow 2021. My one-seed will be Virginia Sweet heirloom. Then Arkansas traveler, better boy and early girl hybrids, and Romas. then one each of the remaining 11. Brain, back and belly may burst. Have a good one!

[@IsabelleIsabelle01]

I got white strawberry pineapple seeds from Germany. If they are really what they are what should I do to keep them the way they are. Should I keep them away from bees ? I have no idea what to do with them except trying new things in my garden :)

[@GardenerScott]

The seeds should grow into the expected plant and pollinators won't affect that. The only time to limit bees and other insects is when you plan to save seeds later and are concerned about cross pollination.

[@IsabelleIsabelle01]

@@GardenerScott Thank you so much and I can't wait to see how they taste

[@lindadavidson2237]

I gotta ask - is that whole bin tomato seeds? Great information. Thanks!

[@GardenerScott]

Only 22 were tomatoes. There are many other varieties in there.

[@juneshannon8074]

I was wondering the same thing, lol. After seeing Scots reply I thought, only 22? Who has more than two or three varieties at one time? Lol, how does he use all those seeds by the expiration date?

[@lauraskorczewski5813]

@@juneshannon8074 Seeds are viable long after the expiration date. If stored properly seeds can last for years.

[@juneshannon8074]

Thanks for your reply Laura. I had sickly plants after using out of date lettuce seeds, so I’m very wary. The cause may have been soil, water, or weather though. So many things can go wrong when working in soil.

[@tobruz]

It would be nice if OP seeds were labeled as such so seeds can be saved. Maybe that’s why they don’t?

[@katieanneozarkhollowhomestead]

In my experience hybrids are usually labeled hybrid or F1. So if it doesn’t say, usually it is open pollinated. When in doubt I’ll do a quick google search.

[@soniamarshall9293]

Do the seeds of open pollinated cross when grown in same area with non pollinated plants?

[@GardenerScott]

Open pollinated plants can cross pollinate with other similar plants in the garden. Some types of plants, like tomatoes and beans, are less likely to cross pollinate because they pollinate themselves.

[@dagrind8710]

Are you in Colorado sir?

[@GardenerScott]

I am. Outside Colorado Springs.

[@TheDesertWineGuy]

Can you address the GMO issue?

[@GardenerScott]

I discuss GMO seeds in this video.

[@shineyrocks390]

Woot sell me some black krim seed

[@tranthiduyen615]

Xin chào anh

[@daleservidio2034]

QUESTION: DO YOU INSTALL A CATTLE PANEL ARCH IN YOUR RAISED BEDS BEFORE OR AFTER FILLING THE BED WITH WOOD, TOP SOIL AND COMPOST?

[@DebRoo11]

Just because it would be easier without the dirt in the way, I'd assume before

[@jendubay3782]

Either is fine. You need to rotate where you plant. So maybe you need to move the trellis.

[@GardenerScott]

I have different videos that show different methods. For my arches I installed the cattle panel before the bed was completely filled. For my trellises, I put them on top of the beds after they're filled.

[@Chris-op7yt]

all we care about is healthy plants that produce good tasting veggies/fruit. heirloom is merely older hybrids. they're not original tomatoes. heirloom has been overhyped and overpriced by romantisizing. with some exceptions they are not as good as newer hybrids, which have been developed for even better flavor and disease resistance, and good seeds also have a preventative coating. you'll find these better performers not in organic stores, not in small online stores or ebay, and not in box stores. they are available in the more commercially orientated seed supply stores. specifically with tomatoes there is one major hybrid characteristic you may like to try, but difficult to find. most modern hybrids are developed from older hybrids that were developed for even ripening of fruit. even older hybrids each fruit do not ripen evenly, but are sweeter. it was a tradeoff and turning point for most modern hybrids. saving seed when you only grow a few tomato plants each year is a waste of time and missed opportunity to try other varieties that hopefully have anti disease package applied. so open pollinated or not is a moot point, unless you have years to spare to breed a new hybrid. early and late blights are very common and wipe out your entire crop in as little as two weeks, from perfectly vigorous plants setting fruit. invest time, money and effort in drip irrigation, disease resistant seed with disease resistance package and practices that reduce disease risk, such as pruning congested/sprawling plants and removing bottom foliage etc. Unless in lucky climate, sprawling carelessly staked plants quickly succumb to disease suddenly.

[@sssprang]

The New York Times did a great article years back about GMO's and once they are airborne ( something humans cannot contain) there is no telling how seeds are affected. In other words, we can't say that GMO's are always and only in a commercial environment. That's how I understood it.

[@dustinowens1716]

Supposedly that's how big ag wiped out the small farms. Mostly corn farmers because they patented GMOs seeds and they cross pollinated with the small farmers and the big ag companies sued the small farms. There's a documentary about it but I can't remember the name.

[@scionofliberty2967]

Rep at Johnny's said hybrids are more likely to be GMO. Where do you get the info that GMO is only commercial?

[@GardenerScott]

Many sources. Here's one: gardenprofessors.com/are-gmo-seeds-available-for-purchase/

[@therevelation19]

If You wanna save Your own seeds and get off of the big industrie, heirloom is the way. If You are looking for seed that is resistant against some pests and other issues, F1 hybrids may be the way. But, if in times like these, the economy is driven against the wall, it might be the better choice if You can reproduce Your own seeds. Maybe it´s not that mass of varieties, but at least You got something to grow and feed Yourself and Your families. And if You started early enough, You´ll maybe have a nice setup of different varieties. If not, just get some heirloom seeds to start right now!

[@jendubay3782]

I have been working on a landrace for my tomato garden. I started by planting as many types of hybrids as I could, and cross pollinated to each other, and saved the seeds. Then grew them out. I selected the best from that generation, and crossed them. Then I planted that generation out. I selected for early development, taste, and disease resistance. I am now on generation 7, and the breed is starting to stabilize.

[@GardenerScott]

That's awesome! I've been doing that with just one tomato for five generations now. I'm sure you're enjoying it. I am.

[@jendubay3782]

@@GardenerScott it really is a bunch of fun