storied blooms

Sourcing Your Seeds.

Most seeds you’ll encounter in a store are hybrids; they are crossbred to produce consistent, specific traits—like disease resistance or uniform petals. Heirloom seeds, however, are classified and prized for their lack of human intervention. Most experts consider a seed heirloom if: the variety has been in use for at least fifty years; it was open-pollinated (by natural means); and it retains its natural traits.

Many families and communities would save seeds from the best plants every harvest, creating a legacy of healthy, predictable crops for generations—hence the term “heirloom.” And while fewer families continue this practice today, there are plenty of reliable places to purchase heirloom seeds.

When purchasing online, turn to a well-established supplier like Baker Creek Seeds (www.rareseeds.com) or check out Seed Savers Exchange (www.seedsavers.org), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving heirloom varieties. For those interested in place-based planting, universities, regional seed banks, and local extension offices may offer information and recommendations for local heirloom seeds. Perhaps the most fun way to source heirloom seeds, however, is also the simplest. Ask a family member, neighbor, or community co-op garden to save and share some seeds for the next planting season.

Harvesting the Benefits.

Aside from their historical and cultural ties, why bother with heirloom varieties? The primary reason is simple: You know exactly what you’re going to get. The careful preservation of traits means the same plant will be produced year after year. And because seeds are often handpicked from the best specimens, heirloom seeds often produce prettier plants and tastier produce than their hybrid counterparts. Opting for a local heirloom variety might also increase your yield; generations of hand-selection have led to plants that thrive in that soil profile and climate. Utilizing and preserving heirloom seeds helps maintain plant biodiversity, as well.

It’s worth noting, however, that hybrid seeds are just as safe to grow in your home garden. If you’re concerned about genetic modification, rest easy knowing that hybrid seeds are not GMOs. In fact, you won’t be able to purchase any genetically modified seeds as a home gardener. Hybrid seeds have been selectively propagated, but not altered at any cellular level.

Helping Them Thrive.

While heirloom varieties are usually hardy, they’re not immune to disease or inclement weather. Allowing your seeds to germinate in a warm spot indoors before planting can increase your chances for success. To preserve heirloom status, prevent accidental cross-pollination with other varieties of the same species by planting them far apart or simply growing one variety at a time.

Struggling with yield? Make sure you’re pruning your plant properly. Removing the “suckers,” or extra shoots, ensures nutrients are going to the right place and even provides extra starts for planting. To achieve the super-charged resiliency of hybrids without compromising the variety offered by heirlooms, consider experimenting with grafting. Most commonly attempted with heirloom tomato varieties, grafting involves combining the top part of an heirloom plant (called the scion) with the bottom part (rootstock) of a hardier, more prolific variety.

Continuing the Tradition.

Each plant requires a slightly different approach for harvesting and preserving the seeds, but a few tips are helpful no matter the species. Always select seeds from mature, healthy plants. Make sure you grab from a few different plants to preserve diversity and better your chances for success. Once harvested and dried, keep the seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place. And do your research before long-term storage; some plants, like tomatoes, benefit from a fermentation process. For the best results, store them in an airtight container. Most seeds will keep for several years when stored properly, and some can even be frozen. Just make sure to bring stored seeds to room temperature before attempting to open the container.

Although it takes a little patience and time, saving seeds from your heirloom plants each year is both cost-effective and rewarding, making you part of a practice and legacy that has existed for generations.

Photography provided by Wildroze/E+/Getty Images.