We must have come across the terms like F1 Hybrid, F2 Hybrid, F3 Hybrid and so on while we shop for hybrid seeds for our vegetable and flower garden. At times we wonder what these terms are and what is the difference. Let’s discuss the difference between F1, F2, F3 Hybrid seeds.
What is Hybrid Seed?
Hybrid seeds are those seeds that are produced by cross-pollination of two or more plants. It contains the best Characteristics of both plants. The process of hybridization is highly controlled and specialized.
What is “F” ?
There are different types of Hybrid seeds like F1, F2, F3……. First understand what does that letter “F” means. F stands for fillia. It is a Latin word, which means daughter.
What are F1, F2, F3 Hybrids?
F1 – F1 are the first generation of hybrid seeds which are produced by a process of hybridization of two different varieties of the same kind of plant inheriting the best Characteristics of both plants. For example: new hybrid seed is produced by hybridization of two different kinds of tomato plants.
F2 – F2 seeds are second generation seeds produced by either self/open pollination or hand pollination of F1 plants. In more simpler terms F2 are the seeds saved either from flowers or fruit produced from an F1 Plant.
F3 – F3 seeds are third generation seeds produced by either self/open pollination or hand pollination of F2 plants.
Difference Between F1, F2 & F3 Seeds
Happy Gardening!!
Very educative,and useful