Of the open-pollinated seed types there are several groups that a seed may fall under.
Local Varieties
These are seeds that have come from plants grown in the region for as long as the locals can remember. Their origin may be difficult to trace or it may involve a story behind how the seeds came to be in the area. These varieties are well adapted to the local region and are able to thrive in local conditions.
Heirloom Seeds
These are seeds that have been handed down through several generations of a family. Much as you would a piece of jewelry or furniture. They usually begin life as a hybrid, mainly created by cross-pollination, and the seeds have been saved and grown for consecutive generations which has resulted in a new variety.
Recent Varieties
These are seeds or plants that have come into the country with migrants. They usually form an important part of the migrants culture or culinary traditions.
Historical
These are seeds or plants that have some historical significance. They are to be preserved as a public resource, educational tool and as part of the living history of an area. Examples may be early pioneer crop varieties and the fig tree grown by the Facey Family which has a descendent outside the Albert Facey Homestead in Wickepin, Western Australia.
Varieties No Longer Commercially Available
These are varieties that are no longer offered by seed companies for various reasons but are surviving due to their use in home gardens where the seeds have been saved season by season.
