What Is a Plant Cultivar

Grape tomatoes next to a standard cherry tomato.

A blending of the terms "cultivate" and "variety", a cultivar is a cultivated plant rather than one occurring in nature. The term refers to "new" strains of existing plants which are produced by breeders or enthusiasts. Some examples are peach colored pansies, grape tomatoes, or chives that don't set seed. (This last is a bit alarming.) Cultivars are sometimes produced to withstand harsher living conditions or offer a wider variety of beneficial attributes like: larger blooms, brighter colors or sweeter (or more pest resistant) fruit.

This is a glossary entry that will help you understand some of my blogs better. Plants have a vocabulary; most specialized areas of learning do. Pick up one new term a day, and in no time you'll be a pro.