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F1, F2 or OP
Varieties of plants from seed can be presented as different product types, which depends on their mode of propagation.
Open pollinated (OP) varieties: these are the most simple in concept. Plants are selected to have similar performance, for habit and flowering period. They are then grown together and allowed to pollinated each other. Uniformity of the variety is dependent on how well the stock is maintained - poor stock maintenance leads to variable varieties with indifferent performance. W Legutko selects and maintains own stock seed for most of the varieties offered.
F1 hybrid varieties: these result from crossing together two pure-breeding parents. Generally, F1 varieties are more uniform and vigorous, with better overall performance than OP varieties. Parent plants are generally grown under cover with most species requiring hand pollination. Parent lines must also be maintained.
F2 hybrid varieties: seed collected from F1 plants is F2. Uniformity and vigour is less than the parent F1 variety, but can be better than equivalent OP varieties.
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