F1 Hybrid crops

[Jenegade]

I've read some of the older threads that mention this, but just wanted to check..

If you have an F1 hybrid crop you cant take the seed from that crop to plant again the next year, as it will not be true to the parent?

If I plant a non F1 hybrid I can save some seeds to plant the following year?

Just wanted to check before I buy this years seed, because if that's right I can save some money next year by saving seed (right?)!

[Flummery]

You are quite right. If you want to save seeds - and get the same thing next year - choose a non-F1 hybrid.

If you fancy a punt you can still sow the seeds from F1 hybrids - but you just won't get the same thing. Some people find that part of the fun though!

[Jenegade]

Thanks flummery!

Would they still be edible then if I grew the seed from an f1 hybrid? Just might not be the same look/ taste etc?

[lynda66]

it really depends what they have been crossed with ..... it does sound like fun saving a couple of seeds for experimenting though you could get something really good or something really awful.

[Flummery]

Thanks flummery!

Would they still be edible then if I grew the seed from an f1 hybrid? Just might not be the same look/ taste etc?

They would still be edible. I've got some seeds of the second generation tomatoes after planting F1s. They were all fine - some slightly tougher skins, some not so flavourful etc. But some are as good as the originals. You get lots to cull out (I plant out 4 toms to a big pot and then remove the top of the plant after the first truss) but you can eat your mistakes!

[Snadger]

The bugbear of F1's is that a lot are bred for uniformity........all ready for harvest the same day so that a farmer can move in with his machine and harvest the lot at once, all the same size and weight!

Other F1's are grown for specific purposes though...................... like resistance to various diseases and fungi!, more frost tolerant, earlier maturing, mini veg, need less sunshine, e.t.c., e.t.c.!

Others are 'heritage' varieties which are a non F1 that have been grown for ages and proved to be popular.

All I'm saying (and a few years ago I never thought I would say this!) is don't dismiss F1 hybrids completely as I personally am warming to certain varieties bred for specific purposes!

Heritage and open pollinated varieties are good for keeping your own seed, but make sure they have the properties you require before seeding them!

As Flum says, de-F1-ing can be fun, but be prepared for a lot of failures!

[Jenegade]

Thanks for all your advice!!

I shall have a look at some of the heritage varieties and may also buy some f1s too, de-f1-ing does sound kind of fun!

[Two_Sheds]

When I started I was all "I don't like F1s, I want to save my own seed" etc.

But as Snadger says, they can be jolly useful. I tried Open Pollination (OP) sweetcorn and also F1 for a couple of years now, and I have to say ... Conqueror F1 is my champ. Same goes for my squashes ... F1 all the way.

A pack of F1 squash seed lasts me 2 or 3 years, so the cost isn't huge.
I save my own bean and chilli seeds, so big savings there.