How to Buy Heirloom Seeds

First, by definition, an heirloom seed is a plant seed, generally fruits and vegetables, that has not been cross pollinated with another species. For example, a habanero pepper may be cross pollinated with a cayenne pepper, in an attempt to make the cayenne hotter, but the cayenne is no longer a pure strain of pepper. It has lost its "heirloom" status.

Second: Search for companies that have an established reputation for selling quality seeds and will readily admit when the seed stocks are not true. If they advertise an heirloom cherry tomato, and you buy an heirloom cherry tomato seed, you will be quite disappointed after 12 weeks, to find a muddy red tomato pop out that is half the size of your favorite beefsteak, and has obviously been cross pollinated.

Next, be sure that you're not being unrealistic in your search for heirloom seeds. If you go out looking for an eggplant that is resistant to pests, and extremely hardy in cold weather you are bound to be disappointed. There are strains of eggplant that are naturally pest resistant. There are other strains that are very cold weather tolerant. But to find them both in the same plant naturally is going to a huge problem. Again, like I said, you can find them, but it's not an heirloom seed. It is a hybrid.

You can find heirloom seeds for just about any species of fruit or vegetable that you want, but you may have to search a bit harder before finding just what you are looking for. (.58 @ 18,000)