Saving seeds from your favorite heirloom tomatoes provides multiple harvests to enjoy for years to come.
The best tomatoes to harvest are heirlooms instead of hybrids, which are cross-pollinated.
The fermentation process prepares tomato seeds for storage by producing antibiotics thathelp control seed-borne diseases.
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Fermentation also promotes a protective seed coat that prevents the seeds from germinating until they are planted.
Dont skip the fermenting step.
Its essential when saving tomato seeds.
Choose a perfect tomato
The best fruit yields the best seeds.
Allowtomatoes to fully ripen on the vineand select a large, unblemished fruit with a pleasing shape and color.
Choosing healthy, ripe or overripe tomatoes will ensure the seeds are fully developed.
Wash and cut
Good hygiene goes a long way toward giving you the best tomato seeds.
Thoroughlywash the tomatoand allow it to air dry.Cut the fruitin half along the center.
The seeds will be coated with a jelly-like material.
Pulp and liquid will likely also end up in the jar.
The seed-pulp mixture isperfect for fermentation.
Label the jar if youre saving more than onevariety of tomatoseeds.
Leave the jar in a warm location, ideally between 60F and 70F, for three days.
Dont be surprised if a white fungus appears on top of the mixture after a few days.
This helpful fungus will consume the jelly, preparing the seeds for storage.
Gently pour out the water along with tomato pulp and any seeds that float.
The viable seeds are heavy and sink to the bottom of the jar.
Dry the seeds
Pour seeds into a strainer, allowing any excess water to drip out.
Then, spread the seeds on a paper plate or newspaper.
Allow the seeds to dry at room temperature in a well-ventilated place for several days.
Stir the seeds daily with your fingers to separate them and promote even drying.
Store in a cool, dry place
Place dry seeds in alabeled containeror bag.
The best storage place is cool, dry, and dark, such as a cabinet.
Seeds don’t need to be refrigerated and are viable for years.
Seeds from Heirloom vs. Modern hybrids like Big Boy and Celebrity are created from two unique parent plants.
The seeds from a hybrid tomato plant wont produce a plant that resembles the hybrid.
Instead, the seed will likely yield a small, inferior fruit on a rangy plant.
Avoid disappointment, and don’t save seeds from hybrid tomatoes.
Is This Tomato Ready to Harvest?PennState Extension.
Saving Tomato Seeds.University of California, Agriculture & Natural Resources Cooperative Extension Santa Clara County.
