Plant breeders take advantage of this feature by simultaneously homogenizing distinct varieties independently of each other for many generations via self-pollination (to the brink of infertility), then outcrossing and testing for the most vigorous progeny. The message here is important: to produce a single F1 line that exhibits superior heterosis requires the independent development of two separate varieties for many generations, followed by test outcrosses and field trials to identify which combination of parents results in the best offspring. This process takes YEARS. Clever hashtags or single-plant test results can’t gloss over basic reality; the traditional pollen-chucking approach of small-scale breeders is fine for your backyard, but is not for large fields.
Mules are F1 hybrids—half-horse and half-donkey (never half ass!)—and are superstars of endurance, efficiency, intelligence, and vigor. They outperform both of their parents in critical, predictable ways in real world applications. Mules are used in genetics classes to drive home the lesson of heterosis: when two very distantly related individuals are paired, the resulting progeny tend to exhibit vigorous, positive qualities not seen in either parent—though they are not suitable for further breeding.
Our “early” series lines are the plant equivalent of true mules: they are F1s not meant for breeding. The mothers themselves are unique creations and have never been released. Keep that in mind when unsavory seed “breeders” offer crosses or “improvements” of our work. No one else has the mother plants to create “Special Sauce,” “Lifter,” “Elektra,” Hawaiian Haze,” “Suver Haze”, or any other variety we release, which makes anything they offer under those names as either a completely unstable F2 or an unpredictable polyhybrid not worth risking your field over. A lot of fraud seed is sold every year by those hoping to cash in and the results speak for themselves. Just say “no” to these mule fornicators before they ruin your season.