Hybrid: The offspring of two plants of different species or varieties.
In gardening, hybrids are created by intentionally cross-pollinating two different parent plants to combine desirable traits. This can result in plants with improved vigor, disease resistance, unique flower colors, or other desirable characteristics. Think of a hybrid tomato that combines the disease resistance of one variety with the flavor of another.
For home gardeners, hybrid seeds and plants offer many options. They often produce more uniform and predictable results compared to open-pollinated varieties. However, it’s important to note that seeds saved from hybrid plants may not produce offspring with the same characteristics as the parent plant. If you want to maintain the specific traits of a hybrid, you’ll need to purchase new seeds or plants each year.
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