While the term “heirloom” is often associated with tomatoes, the word may also be applied to any open-pollinated fruits, vegetables, and flowers that were introduced at least 50 years ago. Open-pollination occurs when bees and other natural pollinators fertilize the plants.

Heirlooms come with long histories and have been grown for many years, passed down from generation to generation. Often viewed as traditional, heirloom cultivars come with wholesomely whimsical names such as ‘Brandywine Pink’ tomatoes and ‘California Wonder’ bell peppers. But heirlooms are more than colorful fruits and uniquely shaped veggies that sound as if they came straight from a Midwestern farmer’s market. They’ve been purposely grown, selected, and passed the test of time to grace our gardens with their superb pedigrees.