Plants that require two growing seasons to complete their life cycle. Carrots, for example, grow a tap root the first season, but if conserved over winter and replanted in spring, they will produce seeds the second summer.

The scientific name given to a plant. Helps avoid confusion, as many plants are known colloquially by different names. The botanical name is based on taxonomy, a system of classification developed by botanists. For example: cucurbitaceae

The flowers are wide open, allowing pollen from one plant to be delivered to another plant – often by insects, birds, or the wind.

This number describes the point at which the plant yields food that is ready to eat. You typically have to wait another few weeks for their seed to mature.

Seed in pods or on seed heads that literally dries out.

Varieties in which genes have been inserted into the DNA of the host variety. These genes may be from different species, genera, or even kingdoms (transgenic).

Non-hybrid, open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down from generation to generation (> 50 years old is generally considered an heirloom).

Are a result of a controlled crossing of inbred, genetically distinct parent populations. Most of the seeds saved from hybrids (F1’s) will appear very different from their parents. A few will look like the original F1 variety.

Loss of vigour and variation due to crossing two genetically-similar plants.

Plants that have been grown in a given geographic area over a long period of time, and that have acclimated to the local environment and proven hardy.