OPEN POLLINATED: a seed of this variety is one that is pollinated by natural means (birds, bees, insects, etc)
Why is this important?
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It is possible for hybridization to occur naturally through cross pollination by insects and birds, but commercially available hybrids are deliberately created to breed a desired trait. Do know that any seed labeled as a hybrid is by nature, genetically unstable which means you cannot save seed from this plant for use in future gardens. The plants will not remain true copies and will be much less hearty and vigorous. When using hybrid seeds you have to purchase your new seeds yearly. |
These type of seeds are often designed with the insertion of genes from other species, including insect and animal genes...weird and frankenstein-like right? This is not hybridization where two tomato plants are spliced to form a more hearty and disease resistant tomato, this is insertion of foreign matter to obtain heartier varieties and is only available to large scale commercial growers. |
Other than the few darker green bits of clover in there, those are all lettuce sprouts! My lettuce from last year simply re-seeded itself. I found basil and cilantro today that had also done the same. I love these little garden treats. I dutifully tucked my packet of lettuce seeds back into my apron pocket and smiled. This means I should have lettuce galore in a few short weeks, and I didn't even have to do anything this year to get it! |