What is the difference between an heirloom tomato, a hybrid and a new open-pollinated tomato variety?
In this article, we explain the key differences and help you choose suitable varieties for your garden.
Comparing tomato varieties
The chart is a guide showing general tendencies. Actual qualities vary considerably between individual varieties and growing conditions.
Open-pollinated tomato variety: These plants allow you to save seed freely. They may be either heirlooms or newer selections, and their characteristics remain stable from one generation to the next when the variety is kept isolated from unwanted cross-pollination.
Hybrid tomato variety (F1): These are created by crossing two or more parent lines to combine their strengths. Seed is not normally saved because the next generation (F2) does not reliably retain the qualities of the F1 hybrid.
Heirloom tomato varieties: These are open-pollinated varieties passed from one generation to the next for decades. They are associated with particular local climates and growing traditions, and are prized for an exceptional flavour that many gardeners prefer to that of newer and hybrid varieties.
How can you recognise them?
– Hybrids: Hybrid varieties are marked with F1 after their name. One example is ‘Rugby F1’.
– Open-pollinated varieties: If a variety’s name does not end in F1, it is usually open-pollinated. One example is ‘Ideal’. Descriptions of newer varieties may use terms such as “open-pollinated variety”, “new variety” or “new selection”. Older varieties may be described as “heirloom”, “heritage”, “old” or “family” varieties.
Advantages and disadvantages of the different types
Hybrid varieties (F1)
If you save seed from an F1 tomato and sow it the following year—the F2 generation—the plants may produce fruit, but they will not reliably reproduce the hybrid’s qualities. Flavour, shape, yield, resilience and fruit size can vary greatly.
➕ F1 hybrids can offer high yields, a longer storage life, disease resistance, an attractive commercial appearance and early ripening.
➖ Their disadvantages include the need to buy new seed each year and, often, a less distinctive flavour.
It is important to note that not all hybrids are created for industrial agriculture. Bulgaria has several F1 varieties with excellent flavour and strong resilience. For example:
- Rugby F1 – A disease-resistant variety with a well-balanced flavour and an abundant crop. A very good choice for beginner gardeners.
- Naslada F1 – A giant-fruited variety with exceptional flavour, good yields and a wonderful traditional aroma.
- and others.
New open-pollinated varieties from Bulgarian breeders
In recent years, high-quality new tomato varieties have reached the market from Bulgarian breeders such as Maritsa, Florian and Opal.
➕ New selections of “traditional” Bulgarian tomatoes aim to overcome the shortcomings of older varieties and improve fruit uniformity, shape, size and yield. Resistance to specific pathogens may also be introduced while retaining an authentic tomato flavour.
➖ In some new varieties, flavour is compromised in favour of higher yields and commercial characteristics. Some can also be more demanding in their feeding and plant-protection requirements.
Overall, new Bulgarian open-pollinated varieties offer an excellent balance of yield, resilience and flavour.
Old open-pollinated varieties
➕ Heirloom varieties stand out for their exceptional flavour. Unlike commercial varieties selected for maximum yield and firmness, authentic tomatoes passed down through generations retain a natural balance of sugars, acids and aromatic compounds.
They are also associated with their local climate and may tolerate local diseases and challenges such as drought, rain, cold or heat. Performance nevertheless varies by variety and growing conditions.
➖ Disadvantages: their fruit has a shorter storage life and often a less uniform shape.
Where can you find heirloom tomato seeds?
Heirloom tomato varieties are preserved mainly by families, farmers, collectors and small communities.
In Bulgaria, farmers’ markets and seed-exchange festivals are organised regularly. Examples include the Farmers’ Market in Varna and the Independent Seed Festival in Elin Pelin.
In Europe, heirloom tomatoes are highly popular and are available from suppliers such as the French heritage-variety conservation association Kokopelli, the Swiss breeder Sativa Bio, Poland’s PomidorLandia and others. Most European producers offer delivery to Bulgaria.
In the United States, heirloom varieties are also very popular, with dozens of producers and breeders including TomatoFest, RareSeeds, EdenBrothers and many more. Some may also offer delivery to Bulgaria.
BalkanSort: Our online shop offers a collection of heirloom tomatoes from Bulgaria and around the world. BalkanSort is an official distributor of the European producers Kokopelli and Sativa Bio.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the richest flavour, choose heirloom varieties and authentic Bulgarian selections.
For beginner gardeners, we recommend growing at least one hybrid variety (F1) alongside open-pollinated varieties. Hybrids can be exceptionally vigorous and forgiving of many common growing mistakes.
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