[newby]

I notice quite a few seeds hae "F1 " as a variety. What does thi mean ??

[richyrich7]

1st filial (sp?) means the 1st offspring off two plants so you know exactly what you get . 

[Ice]

It also means you pay premium prices for the seeds.

[newby]

1st filial (sp?) means the 1st offspring off two plants so you know exactly what you get . 

ok...so if they are not "F1" ...they might not be the variety stated ??

[richyrich7]

No not quite, the F1 is best regarded as a hybrid of two parent plants which have some of the characteristics that you want in your plant, but when they are crossed with each other produces the plant that you want.
But if you then pollinate two of your F1 plants together the resulting off spring will be different again. These are known as F2's

But if you say, buy a pack of Scarlet Emperor runner beans they are not F1, but bred from trusted stock that breeds true.
So then if you pollinate two of these plants together their offspring will still be true to the  "scarlet emperor" attributes.

 

[Salmo]

What an F1 variety means to you is that every plant will be identical. They were originally developed for commercial growers who needed an even crop that would all mature at the same time. In the case of cauliflowers for instance this would mean that a whole field could be cut on the same day and sent to the supermarkets, all identicle in size and shape. What is more the day they are ready can be predicted.

Many F1 varieties are very good, although some have been bred for looks rather than taste. Those offered in the catalogues are usually OK.

With non F1s the varieties have a bit of a spread of characteristics and ripen over a period. The trick with F1s is to sow small amounts at a time to achieve a sucession.

Seed breeders achieve purity by isolating their seed crops from other varieties. With some crops a distance of over a mile from similar crops is needed. This is almost impossible to achieve if you try and save your own seed. Bees bring in stray pollen and pollen is also carried a long way on the wind. Runner beans, marrow family, brassicas are all cross pollinated and will deteriorate in a few years. Other crops such as peas are self pollinated and always breed true.

[Rangerkris]

So it dont mean they grow fast then 

[Salmo]

Bugatti beans do!