What is a heirloom seed, and why do they matter?
What does “heirloom seed” mean and why should you care?
The classification of “heirloom” is used to identify seeds and plant cultivars that do not form part of modern large scale agricultural production of fresh produce.
According to Annie’s Heirloom Seeds, “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.”
The benefit of working with heirloom seeds is that you can save these seeds season after season and always be guaranteed of the quality of your produce. This is not the case with heirloom seeds or GMO’s (genetically modified organisms).
Seed saving
Saving hybrid seeds will result in a mixed bag harvest, with some seasons being good and others being a total flop. GMO seed saving will never yield a great harvest as many of these seeds are engineered in such a way that the seeds the plants will produce are not complete seeds. This means that the new plants seeds a lesser plant that won’t necessarily bear fruit or grow to maturity. In commercial setups, it is also often a contravention of patent laws for farmers to save seed from a GMO harvest.
Luckily, most backyard gardeners don’t have to worry about this. Heirloom seeds simply offer you the opportunity to grow interesting and lesser-known cultivars.
TAKE NOTE: There is no evidence that produce grown from GMO and non-heirloom seeds are unhealthy or have a lower nutritional value than heirloom produce. In fact, they are often modified to produce a higher yield with better nutritional value. All this while using much less resources and are drought and pest resistant.
Growing Heirloom seeds are simply exciting
Regardless of the fact that your heirloom produce won’t necessarily be that much better for your health physically, there is no denying the mental and emotional benefits of growing and harvesting your own produce in your own backyard has.
The different, interesting shapes and colours of heirloom fruits and vegetables, such as painted potatoes (Peruvian purple and dappled potatoes are a favourite of ours), fluted Fiorentina tomatoes and rainbow carrots give so much joy come harvest time.
It’s a matter of TASTE
Although they won’t necessarily be “healthier” there is no denying the fact that heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables will taste better, and more authentic than other produce.
If you are interested in starting a heirloom garden, there are some things to consider:
Choose your supplier
Not all seeds are heirloom and not all “traditional’ or historic seeds qualify. For something to qualify as heirloom it needs to have been in general use for at least 50 years, without being crossed or modified in any way. There are a number of trusted suppliers in South Africa:
Pick your produce
Do some research. There are many varieties of heirloom plants that are perfectly suited for beginner gardeners, but some do require a bit more know-how.
Take climate and elements into account
Remember these seeds are not modified in any way to resist drought, frost or other elements. Take care when and where you plant them and be clever with what you choose to plant.
Be ready with past control and fertilizer
The whole point of growing heirloom varieties is the fact that there has been no scientific interference. This might mean that your tomatoes might be more susceptible to pests, or your potatoes won’t have any drought resistance. As long as you manage this with the correct additives, you will be fine!
Whether you are hoping for yellow and purple carrots, painted potatoes or simply want to zhoosh up your tomato salad, working with heirloom seeds is a rewarding way to do this.
Due to their ability to be saved and used season after season, they are also forgiving, and if your veggies are less than great this year, you can always try again next season!
