Tomatoes are a well-loved fruit with many staple uses in the kitchen from salsa, pasta sauce, to ketchup. Because they are a must-have plant in the garden with many different varieties, it’s probably crossed your mind before to try to save money by saving your tomato seeds. Though saving tomato seeds is a relatively simple process, it can be challenging diving in if you haven’t done it before because you don’t know what you don’t know. So here’s a step-by-step guide on how to save tomato seeds.
When to Save Tomato Seeds
You can save seeds as soon as you have a tomato that is ripe and fits the characteristics you’re looking for in a tomato plant. Sometimes it can be a good idea to wait until the end of the growing season so you have a better idea of which tomato plants have thrived and produced high-quality fruits with desirable characteristics. The average time it takes to start seeing fruit on your tomato plants is somewhere in the 15-22 week range depending on gemination and other environmental factors.
What You'll Need to Save Tomato Seeds
Ripe tomatoes
Knife
Cutting Board
Spoon (optional)
Water
Canning Jar
Wire Mesh Sieve or Strainer
Glass Plate, Paper Towel or Coffee Filter
Envelop, Jar, or other container to store your seeds
Instructions for How to Save Tomato Seeds
1. Pick Your Tomato
Select the best tomatoes from the heirloom plants you want to save seeds from. Look for fully ripe, disease-free, healthy tomatoes with the characteristics you want to preserve in future plants.
Heirloom vs Hybrid Varieties
Something to note and be aware of as you pick your tomato is whether it’s an heirloom or hybrid variety. Heirlooms are more flavorful, but are more susceptible to hardships and struggles based on your climate, pests, etc. Hybrids are specifically bred by companies to produce genetic traits that allow them to be higher yielding and less susceptible to diseases, pests, droughts, etc. The reason this matters is that you should try to save seeds from open-pollinated or heirloom varieties over hybrids because you likely will not get a true reproduction of a hybrid variety.
2. Remove the Seeds
Cut the tomato in half horizontally. Use a spoon or your fingers to scoop out the gel and seeds into a clean container. It’s best to use a container that can be tightly sealed, such as a glass jar or a plastic bag.
3. Ferment the Seeds
Fermentation helps to remove the gel coating around the seeds, which can inhibit germination. Leave the container with the seeds and gel in a warm location, ideally around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Allow the mixture to ferment for about two to four days. During fermentation, the mixture may develop a strong odor, so it’s a good idea to keep it in a well-ventilated area.
4. Stir and Rinse the Seeds
After the fermentation period, stir the mixture every day to prevent mold growth. You will notice that a mold-like scum forms on the top. This is an indication that the fermentation process is working. After stirring, add water to the container and allow it to settle. The good seeds will sink to the bottom, while debris and unviable seeds will float.
5. Separate the Seeds
Carefully pour off the floating debris and unviable seeds, being cautious not to discard any viable seeds at the bottom. Rinse the viable seeds with clean water, using a fine mesh sieve or a strainer to catch the seeds.
6. Dry the Seeds
Spread the rinsed seeds on a labeled coffee filter, paper towel, or a glass plate to dry. Place them in a warm, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight. Stir or turn the seeds daily to ensure even drying. The seeds should be completely dry within a week or two, depending on the humidity levels.
7. Store the Seeds
Once the seeds are thoroughly dry, transfer them to airtight containers, such as small envelopes or glass jars. Label each container with the tomato variety and the date of collection. Store the containers in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or a refrigerator. Properly stored tomato seeds can remain viable for several years.
By following these steps, you can successfully save tomato seeds from your favorite tomato varieties and have a supply of seeds for future planting. Not only that, but now you can teach someone else how to save tomato seeds.
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