open-pollinated

American  

[oh-puhn-pol-uh-ney-tid] / ˈoʊ pənˈpɒl əˌneɪ tɪd /

adjective

Botany.

1. (of a flower) pollinated without human agency.

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Other Word Forms

• open pollination
  noun

Etymology

Origin of open-pollinated

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Southern Exposure offers heirloom and open-pollinated seed, each variety with a story to tell — a link to those who grew it before, and the places it originated.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2023

These tomatoes are open-pollinated, which makes them more genetically diverse and allows them to adapt to local growing conditions and changing climates.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2021

So research whether your variety is open-pollinated — and if not, enjoy the surprise.

From New York Times • Sep. 16, 2020

Perennial Roots grows non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom plants and raises heritage breed pigs, sheep, geese, ducks, chickens, rabbits and turkeys.

From Washington Times • May 9, 2020

Old, open-pollinated types like Italian Sprouting Calabrese, DeCicco, or Waltham 29 are highly variable, bushy, with rather coarse, large-beaded flowers, second-rate flavor and many, many side shoots.

From Gardening Without Irrigation: or without much, anyway by Solomon, Steve