American varieties (heritage / heirloom)

American heirloom varieties belong to a broader group of traditional, established varieties—also referred to as heritage varieties—that have been passed down from generation to generation and propagated from their own seeds. However, the terms “heirloom” or “heritage” do not necessarily imply American origin. Many well-known American varieties were developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are valued for their diversity of shapes, colors, and flavors, as well as their rich history. Compared to F1 hybrids, they are often less uniform and may have a shorter post-harvest shelf life or weaker resistance to certain diseases, but this depends on the specific variety.