They used to be the common brand, and the hybrid were always labeled as such. Hybrid seeds won't reproduce true to genetics, if at all. If you're looking for long term, sustainable seed self production, always go for the non hybrid garden seed. Heirloom is a fancy name for that, and many times has a price tag to prove it.
Advantages of hybrid is usually earlier maturation, resistant to some fungus or disease, and availability.
I'm working with top of the mountain soil that at one time was a parking lot. Open space, full sunlight for over 10 hours, and up next to the house, this spot has been set aside for two seasons now. Every year, I pick stones out, add lots of leaves for organic material, turn the soil, use calcium (lime) to fertilize and prevent blossom end rot on tomatoes and summer squash, and rotate crops.
This year the onions, beans, tomatoes and squash did fairly well. The winter squash, namely, butternut, are sort of puny and have ripened already. Delicious peeled, diced and sauteed in a skillet. Cover and let rest til tender.
These seeds were kept from the largest butternut squash. Once completely dry, they are stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
I'll do the same with the beans, harvesting and saving seeds. Not that I need to. Next spring we will probably be able to buy seeds again. But, who knows?
I'm just practicing my skills for when I really need them.
