F1 hybrids?

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F1 hybrids?

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Do you use F1 hybrids

Never

[ 0 ]

When it seems appropriate or is necessary

100%

[ 10 ]

Mostly or entirely

[ 0 ]

Total Votes : 10

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Message

Bugs

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 10744

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 05 11:46 am Post subject: F1 hybrids?

A bit ambivalent about f1 hybrids...used to avoid them, have bought a couple this year, but joining the HDRA I see myself moving away from them, and potentially in to proper seed saving in the future.

A lot of organic seed is F1, apparently on the grounds that they are stronger, more prolific plants that will stand up to a lack of artifical care; but this doesn't really fit in with the idea of trying to consumer less, when saving seed from F1's is not reliable.

Does anyone here have strong feelings one way or the other?

Mrs Fiddlesticks

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 10460

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 05 11:58 am Post subject:

I've not taken a lot of notice, to be honest. I can see why I should, but I go for varieties that have the taste or storage or look that I want or have used successfully before. That is more important to me. I need spinach to be a bolt resistant one due to the siting of my plot for example and if its probable that an F1 will give me that degree of protection that an ordinary one wont, then that's the one I'll buy.

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45674
Location: Essex

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 05 11:59 am Post subject:
I only buy F1 spinach and some F1 carrots

Tristan

Joined: 29 Dec 2004
Posts: 392
Location: North Gloucestershire

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 05 12:16 pm Post subject:
Even if you seed save you can create your own F1 hybrids if you know the parent varieties. It can be rewarding to create your own hybrids, who knows, you may have the next big crop advance

Deedee

Joined: 10 Jan 2005
Posts: 250
Location: Surrey

Posted: Thu Feb 03, 05 1:11 pm Post subject:
Up until this year have always bought F1 peppers but have had a good result with cheapo wilkinsons ones so far this year(only one failed to sprout and haven't killed any ...yet!!) this is an experiment planting so early so will keep you posted on how they go

gavin

Joined: 10 Feb 2005
Posts: 93
Location: Leeds, W Yorks

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 05 11:19 am Post subject:
Almost never - only for crops that are "one the edge" in Yorkshire, like sweetcorn. I like my veg to grow different shapes and sizes, knobbles bumps and all; and for them to come ready over a longer period. F1's are great if you want a glut of cabbages, all the same size, on the same day? Just another hobby horse I climb on ocasionally All best - Gavin

tahir

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 45674
Location: Essex

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 05 11:24 am Post subject:
It's why i like dealing with www.vidaverde.co.uk all open polinated.

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