skip to main content

Heirloom Plants & Gardens

A few Questions....

14 years ago

Hello, It's been a busy spring and I haven't had the time to look this stuff up, so I figured it would be a simple thing for some GardenWeb gurus to answer!

1. Do peas and beans cross pollinate? I have heirloom varieties of both and am wondering if I should plant them on different sides of the house or bag them.

2. Does anyone have any Lactuca sativa "Tennis Ball" seeds they could send or trade? It's the only thing I'm missing for this year's garden, and with shipping it ends up being at least $10 anywhere online.

3. All of the focus in books and websites on seed saving relates to vegetables and fruits. Can I save seeds from herbs and flowers as well, or are some of these hybrids? I collected seed from cillantro last year and they germinated (yet to see what they turn out to be). Can I do the same with chives, sweet Italian basil, and dill? Do I have to watch for cross pollination with any local weeds?

Comment (1)

farmerdilla
14 years ago
Species do not cross naturally. There are a lot of plants called beans and quite a few called peas so you really have to know your species. Common beans are Phaseolous Vulgaris. They do very little crossing even among themselves. English peas, snap peas, and snow peas are Pisum sativum. They don't cross with anything else. Southern peas, Yardlong beans are vigna unguiculata. Runner beans are Phaseolus coccineus. There are several more exotic species of "beans"

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

COFFEE WITH AN ARCHITECT A Few Things I Would Like to Ask Frank Lloyd Wright

By Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

It could take a lifetime to understand Frank Lloyd Wright's work — less if we had answers to a few simple questions

COFFEE WITH AN ARCHITECT A Quiz for Architects in Question

By Jody Brown Architecture, pllc

Should you trade in your T-square for a barista tray? Answer a few simple questions to find out

MOST POPULAR A Few Words on the Power of Simplicity

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

An architect considers a pared-down approach to modern home design

DREAM SPACES Just a Few Things for the Dream-Home Wish List

A sunken hot tub, dedicated game room, tree house, hidden wine cellar and more. Which of these home luxuries would you like best?

ORGANIZING Do It for the Kids! A Few Routines Help a Home Run More Smoothly

By Alison Hodgson

Not a Naturally Organized person? These tips can help you tackle the onslaught of papers, meals, laundry — and even help you find your keys

INSIDE HOUZZ Inside Houzz: The Right Kitchen Counters in Just a Few Clicks

Concrete kitchen countertops eluded this Pennsylvania homeowner until she turned to Houzz

WORKING WITH PROS 10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics

WORKING WITH PROS 9 Questions to Ask a Home Remodeler Before You Meet

By Ventana Construction LLC

Save time and effort by ruling out deal breakers with your contractor before an in-person session

WORKING WITH PROS 12 Questions Your Interior Designer Should Ask You

By Mike Dietrich

The best decorators aren’t dictators — and they’re not mind readers either. To understand your tastes, they need this essential info

Easy Green: 6 Must-Answer Questions Before You Buy

By Laura Gaskill

Thinking about buying ecofriendly furniture? For a truly environmentally conscious home, ask yourself these questions first

Sponsored

More Discussions

Meet the new wave of 2024: REALEAD’s Fine Olive Tree blends perfectly

0