Heritage vs Heirloom

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by RBGINVAN, Sep 25, 2007.

  1. RBGINVAN

    RBGINVAN Member

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    Location:
    Vancouver west side
    I see the terms "heritage" and "heirloom" used frequently to describe plant varieties and seeds - e.g. tomatoes. Can somebody explain the difference in meaning between these terms?

    Bob
     
  2. smivies

    smivies Active Member

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    Location:
    Kingston, Ontario, Canada
    Before the monikers were widely used for perennial and vegetable varieties, I believe heirloom referred to things of familial origin where heritage was more of a cultural origin. Why then did vegetables get heirloom and perennials get heritage? Maybe perennials were something to be shared and the vegetable varieties (much like a special recipe) were possessed and guarded by a family?
     

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