Quick Reference

Zones

Plant Hardiness Zones describe the average minimum winter temperature for a region. They tell you where a plant can reliably survive outdoors. For example, Zone 5 can handle colder winters than Zone 9. Matching a plant to your zone increases the chance of long-term success.

Days

• For food crops: Days to maturity is the expected number of days from planting to first harvest. This helps gardeners plan their growing season and time their harvests.
  
• For non-food plants: Days to germination indicates how long it usually takes seeds to sprout under normal conditions. This is key for starting seeds successfully.
  

Types

• F1 (Hybrid): A cross between two parent varieties. Hybrids are bred for vigor, uniformity, and specific traits such as disease resistance. Seeds saved from F1 plants don’t grow true to type. That means if you try to regrow them from seed, the plant won't necessarily be the same as last year's
  
• OP (Open-Pollinated): Varieties that naturally pollinate and remain stable across generations. Seeds can be saved and replanted with consistent results.
  
• HM (Heirloom): An open-pollinated variety that has been handed down for many generations. Heirlooms are valued for flavor, tradition, and genetic diversity.
  

Grows

• Outdoors: Well-suited for garden beds, raised beds, or open soil, where natural conditions are stable.
  
• Windowsill: Compact plants that thrive in containers indoors, often needing only modest light.
  
• Anywhere: Highly adaptable plants that perform reliably in both indoor and outdoor settings.
  

Lifecycle

• Annual: Grows, flowers, sets seed, and dies in one growing season. Many vegetables and flowers are annuals.
  
• Perennial: Lives for multiple years, regrowing each season after going dormant. Often used in landscaping or long-term food crops.
  
• Sp. Perennial (Self-Perennializing): A plant that reseeds itself or self-pollinates, giving the effect of perennial growth even if individual plants live shorter lives.
  

Size

Indicates the recommended container size or soil depth for best growth.

• “X″ Pot”: The ideal pot diameter (e.g., 5″ Pot), ensuring enough root space.
  
• DS (Deep Soil): Requires planting directly in the ground or in a deep raised bed, as shallow pots restrict growth.