Bringing edible flowers from around the world to Niagara-on-the-Lake
What are Heirloom flowers?
Heirlooms are old varieties that predate modern agriculture. Most modern flower varieties are genetic hybrids (meaning they are a cross of at least two “parent” varieties) conceived and developed by seed companies. These hybrids are known for their quick growth and high yields, as a result of this process, their flavour and scent, has been unintentionally bred out of many modern edible flower varieties. By focusing on things such as promoting disease resistance or extended shelf-life, modern plant breeding has neglected to select for flavour and scent, leading to less and less flavourful vegetables and flowers over time.
So, what makes heirloom flowers different? Heirloom flowers were bred for flavour, scent, and colour. The heirloom varieties of most edible flowers tend to be especially flavourful. Heirlooms are varieties older than 50 years whose seeds have been saved by small scale farmers and gardeners and handed down through generations in their communities.
The goal of Heirloom Acres is to grow heirloom varieties with seeds which have been collected from different regions around the world by our seed suppliers.
Using natural growing practices and no-till farming methods, we strive to bring rare edible flowers from around the world to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Bringing edible flowers from around the world to Niagara-on-the-Lake
What are Heirloom flowers?
Heirlooms are old varieties that predate modern agriculture. Most modern flower varieties are genetic hybrids (meaning they are a cross of at least two “parent” varieties) conceived and developed by seed companies. These hybrids are known for their quick growth and high yields, as a result of this process, their flavour and scent, has been unintentionally bred out of many modern edible flower varieties. By focusing on things such as promoting disease resistance or extended shelf-life, modern plant breeding has neglected to select for flavour and scent, leading to less and less flavourful vegetables and flowers over time.
So, what makes heirloom flowers different? Heirloom flowers were bred for flavour, scent, and colour. The heirloom varieties of most edible flowers tend to be especially flavourful. Heirlooms are varieties older than 50 years whose seeds have been saved by small scale farmers and gardeners and handed down through generations in their communities.
The goal of Heirloom Acres is to grow heirloom varieties with seeds which have been collected from different regions around the world by our seed suppliers.
Using natural growing practices and no-till farming methods, we strive to bring rare edible flowers from around the world to Niagara-on-the-Lake.