OPEN-POLLINATED VS HYBRID SEEDS: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR GARDEN?

Natasha Lane, head of seed at Unwins, explains the difference between open-pollinated and hybrid seeds, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying them for y your garden

- Natasha Lane

When planning your garden choosing the right seeds is crucial for success. Two main types of plants dominate the seed market: open-pollinated (OP) and hybrid (F1) varieties. Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and understanding what this means can help you decide which type of seed is the right choice your garden.

OPEN-POLLINATED (OP) PLANTS: NATURE'S WAY

Open-pollinated plants are produced through natural pollination methods, such as wind, insects or birds. This means that the plants reproduce naturally, without human intervention. One of the key characteristics of OP plants is that they produce seeds that grow true to type - as long as they are properly isolated from other varieties. In other words, if you save seeds from an OP plant and sow them the following season you'll usually get the same plant again.

While the concept of seed saving can be appealing to some gardeners, it's worth noting that buying fresh seeds each season from trusted suppliers ensures the best quality and performance. At Unwins, we carefully select and maintain our seeds to ensure they deliver the best results, making us a reliable choice for consistent growth and productivity.

THE RISE OF HYBRID (F1) PLANTS: POWER AND PERFORMANCE