How to save seeds from a tomato

Tomatoes are the diamonds of the garden season. They are what many gardeners meticulously tend and look forward to all season. Growing many varieties year after year each boosting different flavors that can be paired with thousands meals or enjoyed right off the stem! Saving tomato seeds are a must when your an avid tomato lover and you need to learn how to do it right! We are sharing two ways to properly save tomato seeds year after year.

Save Seeds from a Tomato:

1. Choose open-pollinated tomatoes. Open-pollinated tomatoes will produce seeds that are true to the parent plant. Hybrid tomatoes will not.
2. Wait until the tomatoes are fully ripe. The seeds will not be viable if the tomatoes are not ripe.
3. Cut the tomatoes open and scoop out the seeds.
4. Rinse the seeds under cold water to remove any pulp or juice.
5. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel or a plate to dry.
6. Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Quick tips for saving tomato seeds:

• Do not save seeds from plants with disease or pest issues.
• Do not save seeds from tomatoes that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.
• Test the seeds before planting them to make sure they are viable.

Ferment tomato seeds for saving:

1. Choose ripe tomatoes that are slightly overripe. The riper the tomatoes, the easier it will be to remove the seeds.
2. Wash the tomatoes thoroughly with water.
3. Cut the tomatoes in half and squeeze the seeds and pulp into a clean jar.
4. Add enough water to the jar to cover the seeds and pulp.
5. Loosely cover the jar with a lid.
6. Let the seeds ferment at room temperature for 1-3 days. During this time, a white film will form on the surface of the water. This is normal and is a sign that the fermentation process is working.
7. After 1-3 days, carefully pour off the liquid, leaving the seeds behind.
8. Rinse the seeds under running water until the water runs clear. A mesh strainer makes this easier.
9. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel to dry.
10. Once the seeds are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

*The fermentation process helps to break down the gel coating on the seeds, which makes them easier to germinate. It also helps to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present on the seeds.*

Quick tips for fermenting tomato seeds:

• Don’t overfill the jar. The seeds should be completely covered by water, but there should still be some air space at the top.
• If the weather is warm, the fermentation process may happen more quickly. Check the seeds every day or two to make sure they are not fermenting too quickly.
• If mold forms on the surface of the water, simply skim it off. This does not mean that the seeds are bad.
• Once the seeds are dry, they can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 10 years.

• Store the seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for storing tomato seeds is 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. A refrigerator or freezer is a good option.

If you follow these steps to save your tomato seeds you will build your own stockpile and have seeds to grow from year after year!

Happy Gardening!