plant labels
Heirloom
Last reviewed 2026-10-04
Heirloom is a descriptive term for a plant variety that has been preserved and passed among growers over time. The word often refers to older vegetable varieties, but there is no single universal age, family history, or legal standard that makes a variety an heirloom. Ask the seed source how it uses the label.
What it means
Many heirloom varieties are open-pollinated and can produce seed that resembles the parent when isolated from other varieties. That is common, but not every use of heirloom guarantees genetic stability or a specific history. A variety can be valued for flavor, regional history, appearance, or adaptation to a place.
How it affects the garden
Heirloom is not a synonym for organic, native, chemical-free, or easier to grow. Compare mature size, disease resistance, days to maturity, and climate fit. Save seed only when you understand pollination and the risk of crossing with related plants.
The seed germination calculator helps test viability, but it cannot determine whether seed is true to type. Keep packets labeled with the variety and source.
Example
A tomato variety maintained by generations of gardeners may be sold as an heirloom. It can have excellent flavor and a distinctive shape, while still needing staking, disease management, and a growing season long enough to mature.
Common confusion
Heirloom and open-pollinated overlap, but they are not identical labels. Hybrid describes a cross made from selected parent lines and can also be valuable in a home garden.
Sources
University of Minnesota Extension discusses tomato variety characteristics and why gardeners should compare traits beyond marketing labels.
