“The term “heirloom” has always confused me. What determines if a plant is considered an heirloom or not?
In the cut flower business most blooms are from hybrids so that is the world I have known. My grandfather Opa Johannes was a cyclamen hybridizer and my family grew cut flowers so I understand how plants are crossed to create new varieties.
There are very few heirloom cut flowers available.
In the past when I have selected vegetable seeds I have never paid attention to variety or look for an heirloom label. I just knew I wanted tomatoes, corn, lettuce, peas, carrots, garlic and green onions.
I never considered that some varieties are hybrid and some are heirloom and that makes all the difference in the vegetable world. Gardeners have realized that the heirlooms are the better choice because they usually give you the best results…”
