Common Seed Questions: GMO, Hybrid, Open-Pollinated, and HeirloomUpdated 11 days ago

Understanding the different types of seeds can help you make the best choice for your garden. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about GMO, hybrid, heirloom, and open-pollinated seeds.

Do You Sell GMO Seeds?

No, we do not sell GMO seeds. Botanical Interests is proud to have all of our seeds verified as GMO-free through the Non-GMO Project. This verification involves rigorous third-party testing to ensure no GMO contamination. Each seed batch we offer has passed these demanding standards, and we proudly display the Non-GMO Project verification seal on all of our seed packets.

For more details on the Non-GMO Project’s requirements and annual testing, visit their website: nongmoproject.org.

Are Hybrid Seeds Genetically Modified?

Hybrid seeds are not genetically modified. When you see "hybrid" (F1 hybrid) on a seed packet, it means the seed comes from the cross-pollination of two different plant varieties. This is a natural process and not genetic manipulation. Hybridization has been used for centuries to create new plant varieties, including many heirlooms that were once hybrids!

Hybrid plants may not produce true-to-type seeds, meaning their offspring may revert to traits from one of the parent plants or be sterile. It can take years or even decades of selective breeding to stabilize a hybrid and develop a plant that reliably produces true-to-type seeds in future generations.

What Are Heirloom Seeds?

Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated seeds that have produced true-to-type plants for at least 50 years. Many of the heirloom varieties we carry have been around for over a century. For example, the California Wonder pepper has been in commercial production since 1828, and Yolo Wonder, originally a hybrid, has bred true since 1952. Both are now considered heirloom varieties.

What Are Open-Pollinated Seeds?

Open-pollinated seeds produce plants that are nearly identical to the parent plant, provided they are not cross-pollinated with other varieties. These seeds are past the hybrid phase and can reliably reproduce true-to-type plants. Open-pollinated seeds are not yet classified as heirloom unless they have been stable for 50 years or more.

At Botanical Interests, unless specified as a hybrid, most of our varieties are open-pollinated. You can save seeds from these plants and replant them in future seasons. After several decades of consistent, true-to-type production, open-pollinated seeds may be classified as heirloom.