Additional author: Whitney Richardson, University of Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture, with technical assistance from Makenzie English, University of Georgia Department of Horticulture Program Assistant.
Introduction
Heirloom vegetables are “old school” vintage varieties that have been around for generations. These varieties are open pollinated and typically anywhere from 50 to several hundred years old, with seed saved and passed down from one generation to the next. Heirloom varieties have become very popular with today’s gardeners as they often have superior flavor quality. Because heirlooms are typically open-pollinated, the seed can be saved and will breed back true-to-type. There are heirloom seeds available for many types of vegetables, and several of these may look substantially different from their newer, hybrid relatives.
Saving Heirloom Seed
Traits from new hybrid improved varieties of vegetables will begin to segregate after one generation, so saving seed is not recommended. Most heirloom seeds, however, are open-pollinated and will produce true to type when seeds are saved. Before storing seed that was collected, make sure it is completely mature and dry. If it is not, this could lead to moldy seed, and it will begin to deteriorate quickly. There is usually a 65%–80% percent germination rate from collected seed, with three-quarters of those seedlings producing satisfactory plants. For more information on seed saving and germination visit UGA Extension publications Starting Plants from Seed for the Home Gardener and Variety Selection and Seed Saving for Organic Growers.
Challenges in Growing Heirloom Varieties
Heirloom varieties can be a little more challenging for the home gardener to grow. Just obtaining seed for purchase can sometimes take considerable time and effort. Look for seed companies that specialize in old and heirloom varieties. Most major seed companies do, however, usually offer some heirloom seed. Another obstacle to overcome with heirloom varieties is that they are typically much less resistant to common diseases and other pest issues. Hybrid varieties have been developed to improve resistance and other qualities to make them easier to grow. Unfortunately, sometimes in the hybridization process, the flavor and some of the unique characteristics of those vegetables may be lost. This is the biggest reason why heirloom varieties are still popular. More careful management of water, seeding depth, and insect and disease management are crucial when trying to produce healthy heirloom vegetables. In addition, storage shelf life is normally shorter for heirloom varieties.
Site Selection and Planning
Like most vegetables, heirloom varieties do best when planted in well-drained soil in an area that receives 6 hours or more of sunlight. Heirloom tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, as well as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage should be started indoors to produce strong transplants. Use a good germinating mix to start transplants in a greenhouse or well-lit room. Most transplants will need 4–6 weeks from sowing to develop before being planted in the garden.
Most heirloom tomatoes will be an indeterminate variety and will need some type of staking or trellis to grow on. Vintage beans and peas are normally vining climbers and will need some structure to grow on. Sample soil to test the pH and fertility levels of the garden site. Just like standard vegetables, a pH of 6.2–6.8 is ideal. Fertilize at planting and then at intervals as needed during the growing season. Provide supplemental irrigation when needed to deliver approximately 1–2 in. of water every week. Use mulch, weed fabric, and mechanical means to keep weeds under control. Routinely scout plants for the presence of insects and diseases and provide appropriate control as needed.
Suggested Heirloom Varieties to Grow in Georgia
Lima and Butter Beans
- ‘Christmas Lima’ is a good variety for the Southeast. Climbing vines produce large seeds that are white with maroon streaks and have a wonderful flavor.
- ‘Jackson Wonder Bush’ is a productive and drought-tolerant 1880s vintage heirloom from Georgia. Seeds are buff colored with purple and black mottling.
- ‘Red Calico’ is a hardy and prolific butter bean variety with a dark burgundy seed coat. This butter bean has been maintained by the Thweat family in Tennessee since 1794.
- ‘Snow on the Mountain’ is a beautiful, heavy-producing pole lima from the 1800s. It has deep maroon seeds with white markings.
Pole, Snap, and Dry Beans
- ‘Cantare’ is a French variety with straight dark green pods. They range from 4–5-in. pods and are stringless.
- ‘Cherokee Trail of Tears Pole’ is an heirloom pole bean that was carried by Cherokee Indians on the Trail of Tears. They have purple-striped pods with shiny black seeds.
- ‘Contender’ is a bush bean that has good yields and high-quality pods.
- ‘Greasy Cut Short Pole’ has leaves and pods that are shiny, giving a greasy appearance. These are good eaten as snap beans.
- ‘Jacob’s Cattle’ is a small, pretty bean that is pure white with deep maroon splashes. It is excellent quality for baking and soups.
- ‘Thai Soldier Long Bean’ comes from Thailand and has reddish tiger stripes which can grow to a foot long. The beans are firm and flavorful.
- ‘Purple Pod Pole’ was discovered in the Ozark Mountains by Henry Fields in the 1930s. They grow 6 ft tall with tender and round 5–7-in. stringless pods. They turn green when cooked.
- ‘Red Swan Bush’ has a stringless snap and is one of the more unusual colored beans. It is a deep red with pink colors and great flavor.
- ‘Urizun Japanese Bean Winged’ has tropical looking unique pods with prolific vines. They come from Japan and are great in soups or steamed.
(for more vegetables and recommendations, download the PDF using the button above!)
Reference
Russ, K., Bradshaw, D., & Smith, B. H. (2016). Heirloom vegetables. Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center. https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/heirloom-vegetables/
Status and Revision History
Published on Sep 18, 2024