Hybrid - A variety created by crossing plants of two different varieties. These generally do not produce offspring with the same traits as the parent plant and are not good candidates for our seed library. Common hybrid vegetables sold at nurseries are peppers and tomatoes such as the Early Girl varieties.
Open-pollinated - these are plants that are capable of producing seeds that will produce seedlings just like the parent plant. We love these for our seed library!
Heirloom - used to describe any type of vegetable seed that has been saved and grown for a period of years and is passed down by the gardener that preserved it. Some heirloom varieties will have a unique story and provenance accompanying a tasty crop! All heirloom plants are open-pollinated but not all open-pollinated plants are heirloom.
Annual: These plants go through their entire growing cycle in one season and can produce seed each time. Many vegetables are annuals including tomatoes, lettuce, peas, beans, squash, melons, and peppers.
Biannual: These plants don't produce seed until their second growing season usually after they have gone through a cold period. Carrots, onions, and beets are examples of common biannual vegetables.
Peas, beans, lettuce, and tomatoes are all great plants for beginners to try their hand at seed saving!