True Leaf Market Seed Company | Buy Non-GMO, Heirloom, Organic Seeds (2024)

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of heirloom seeds? ›

Most heirloom seeds are more vulnerable to diseases because commercial seeds are usually bred specifically for disease resistance. Heirloom seeds also have lower yields than hybrids, which can be a disadvantage for farmers and home growers with limited space.

Heirloom seeds are produced by open-pollination carried out by pollinators like birds, bees and wind. Gardening organically with non-GMO seeds is always a better choice. Heirloom seeds, even without an organic label, are mostly chemical-free.

Heirlooms are seed varieties that are at least 50 years old, and you can save these seeds and plant them year after year. Heirlooms are never hybrids or GMOs. Hybrids are crosses of heirloom varieties. If you save hybrid seeds, you won't get what you expect.

For short-term storage, such as for next year's garden, storing the seed jar in a cool, dark, moisture-free environment is sufficient. Heirloom seeds stored this way will last for 3-5 years. For longer storage, place the jar in the refrigerator and the seeds should be good for 10-15 years.

Heirlooms evolved long before resistance to genetic disease or insects was possible. Take, for example, the Brandywine tomato, an heirloom that has probably the best flavor of any variety but can be a challenge to grow. It lacks disease resistance, making it susceptible to wilt that can wipe out the crop.

Heirloom seeds are easy to find and cost about the same as other seeds. But these older, tried-and-true varieties open up a world of rich flavors, unique colors, and other outstanding characteristics that make them the treasures they are.

The “USDA ORGANIC” label on seed packets assures gardeners the seeds were grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides or genetically engineered seeds and materials. Treated seeds are those coated with a chemical, like a fungicide or pesticide.

Gardening organically goes hand in hand with growing heirlooms, since many were introduced before synthetic fertilizers and pesticides became available. But heirloom does not guarantee produce was raised without chemicals, making organic a better choice when you're worried about toxins.

It's easy to understand why organically-grown seed will be more resilient in your garden – doing a better job of fending off pests and diseases and providing great yield without much help. They have been generationally bred to do that.

Some say that a true heirloom seed must be from a fruit, flower, or vegetable grown before World War II. Heirloom plants are “open-pollinated” which means this occurs by wind or insects without human assistance. They are never genetically modified organisms (GMO).

Why do people want heirloom seeds? ›

Gardening with heirloom seeds has unique benefits, as these plants are regionally adapted and can be passed down from generation to generation. Growing heirloom varieties can help preserve history and plant diversity, in addition to providing superior flavor and nutrition compared to hybrids.

Burpee is proud to have bred a number of heirlooms that are favorites to this day. 'Burpee's Stringless Green Pod' bush beans date all the way back in 1894, and the crisp, juicy, and super-flavorful variety is still going strong.

Keep seeds out of direct sunlight in a cool spot that maintains a fairly consistent temperature. Consider a cold closet, a basem*nt, or a room on the north side of your home that remains cool year round. Freezing isn't necessary for short-term storage, but you can refrigerate seeds, provided they are sufficiently dry.

Freezer storage is an option and a good one if you have seeds that you know will be in there for longer than a season. The freezer will ensure that your seed remains dormant but can be risky if you lose power or plan to take them out often for inventory or planting.

The truth is seeds don't expire. They lose viability if stored improperly. While most seed companies will tell you to replace seeds every 2-3 years, those seeds will keep for decades and will germinate when planted if kept in a cool, dark, and dry place.

The two terms – heirloom and heritage – are interchangeable, heritage being the more colloquial British term and heirloom being the more globally recognised term and the term more often used by chefs.

Technically, you can save the seeds, but they won't don't grow true to type, meaning you're likely a plant that produces very different food the second time around (if the seeds grow at all).

Seeds from biennial crops such as carrots or beets are harder to save since the plants need two growing seasons to set seed.

Heirloom seeds, sometimes referred to as open-pollinated seeds, are genetically diverse and have been handed down from generation to generation. Typically, heirlooms have been developed over time for optimal response to their local climate and soil by virtue of being hand-selected for particular traits.