F1 Hybrid

F1 hybrid plants are the first generation of breeding between two different variety parent plants. The offspring will be consistent in this generation but will likely vary substantially if allowed to reproduce in later generations.

F1 pollination is used to create very specific characteristics using a natural and traditional, non-GMO method. F1 hybrids are never open-pollinated (by definition), but if the plants are allowed to open pollinate afterwards, may eventually stabilize their genetics into an all-new variety, which is how most new strains of veggies come about.

The hybridization and stabilization process can be directed by knowledgeable plant breeders, as in the creation of F1 hybrids, but often happens more randomly via insect, wind, or bird pollination in the wild.