Hybrid vs. Heirloom Tomatoes: What's the Difference?

So you want to grow tomatoes, but you don’t know where to start? Granted, with so many different varieties, it can be a bit confusing at first. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be planting tomato seeds with ease in no time!

First things first, what is a Hybrid tomato, what is an heirloom tomato, and what’s the difference? A “hybrid” plant is when plant breeders cross-breed compatible types of plants, usually in an effort to create something better or distinctive. Most modern vegetables are the result of cross-breeding, which is a good thing, because horticultural experts, especially the ones here at Thompson & Morgan, are always coming up with great new plant breeds.
An “heirloom” plant is one that has been saved, grown for a period of years, and passed down from generation to generation, remaining genetically intact.
Some people favor heirloom tomatoes, and swear by their diversity and distinct, flavorful taste. Others champion hybrid tomatoes, citing their improved disease resistance, reliability and consistency. Here at Thompson & Morgan, we like them both! We carry tons of different hybrid and heirloom tomato seed and plants in order to give you, the customer, a choice. After all, it’s your garden, and you know what’s best!