What Does Open Pollinated Mean?
If you spend time in a garden or browsing seed catalogs, you may have seen the phrase open pollinated. But what does this mean, and why does it matter for gardeners?
Open Pollination = True Breeding = Non-Hybrid.
Open pollinated plants are those that reproduce naturally, with pollination occurring through wind, insects, birds, or other natural means. Unlike hybrids, which are intentionally bred by crossing two distinct parent plants, open pollinated varieties can reproduce “true to type.” That means if you save seeds from an open pollinated tomato, the next generation will look and taste just like the parent plant. This makes non-hybrid plants essential for seed saving and preserving plant diversity.
Local Adaptation.
Another benefit of true breeding seeds is local adaptation. Over time, when gardeners and farmers save seeds from the strongest plants in their own region, the plants become better suited to local soil, climate, and pest pressures. This is one reason heirloom varieties are so treasured. They carry stories, flavors, and resilience passed down through generations.
Originals, not Copies.
By contrast, hybrid seeds are often bred for uniformity, high yields, or shipping qualities. While hybrids have their place, they don’t reliably produce true-to-type seeds, so you cannot count on saved seed to match the parent plant. True breeding seeds, however, keep gardeners connected to a cycle of renewal, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Open pollinated native wildflower perennials are especially valuable in native and ecological gardens. Because these plants return year after year, they develop a strong relationship with local pollinators and wildlife. By allowing perennials such as Coneflower, Milkweed, or Beebalm to set seed, you create self-sustaining plant communities that spread naturally over time. Saving and sharing perennial seeds from open pollinated stock helps ensure these resilient plants thrive across regions, supporting biodiversity on a long-term scale.
So, when you see “open pollinated” on a seed packet, you’re choosing plants that can carry on naturally year after year. You are also helping preserve genetic diversity in our food supply. For a resilient garden, and a thriving ecosystem, this type of seeds are a smart and meaningful choice.
How to buy wildflower seeds from Jessecology:
Check out our web shop right here.