What is the largest heirloom seed company?
Every year, I plant trays of seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company – it’s one of my favorite sources. Started in 1998 as a hobby, it has since grown into North America’s largest heirloom seed establishment. The Whole Seed catalog contains our full collection of heirloom varieties from around the world, as well as gorgeous full-page photos, heirloom gardening and seed-saving advice, stories, comprehensive histories of these precious heirloom varieties, recipes, and a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make Baker .
What are the disadvantages of heirloom seeds?
Most heirloom seeds are more vulnerable to diseases because commercial seeds are usually bred specifically for disease resistance. Heirloom seeds also have lower yields than hybrids, which can be a disadvantage for farmers and home growers with limited space. Disadvantages of Hybrid Seed Hybrid seeds are often more concerning for farmers because they require more cost than traditional seeds. Hybrid varieties require more agrochemical and other inputs, like more fertilizer and pesticides.Disadvantages of Feminized Seeds Limited genetic variety: Because feminized seeds are bred from female plants alone, they don’t carry the same range of genetic traits found in regular seed lines. If you are interested in finding unusual traits or building new hybrids, this can narrow the gene pool over time.