Tomato Seed Saving

Some gardeners simply squeeze tomato seeds onto a paper towel, spread them out a bit, and allow the towel to dry for a couple of weeks. When dry, the seed-bearing towel can be folded up and tucked into a labeled envelope for storage through winter.

1. How do you save tomato seeds?
2. How do you save tomato seeds without fermenting?
3. Do you have to ferment tomato seeds to save them?
4. Can you take seeds from a tomato and plant them?
5. Why is saving seeds illegal?
6. Should I soak tomato seeds before planting?
7. When should I plant tomato seeds?
8. How long do you dry tomato seeds?
9. Do tomato seeds need light to germinate?
10. How many tomato seeds do you plant per hole?
11. Can you ferment seeds too long?
12. Can you grow tomatoes from store bought?

How do you save tomato seeds?

First, scoop them out of the fruit, and then rinse in a sieve under cold running water, rubbing the seeds against the sieve to remove the sticky gel coating. Spread the seeds on a paper towel or piece of kitchen paper and leave to dry. When completely dry, fold up the paper, label it, and store somewhere cool and dry.

How do you save tomato seeds without fermenting?

For me, the easiest way to save tomato seeds is to scrape them out of the fruit and on a paper towel. Afterwards I spread them out to create space for the eventual seedlings to grow. Let the seeds dry completely then fold the paper up and store it in an envelope with your notes written on the front.

Do you have to ferment tomato seeds to save them?

Do you need to ferment tomato seeds to make them viable? In case you're wondering, no, you don't need to ferment tomato seeds. Non-fermented seeds have sprouted just fine for me… and they also have not.

Can you take seeds from a tomato and plant them?

Working With Tomato Seeds

Seeds from many plants can be saved simply by waiting for seed pods or fruit to dry, then opening them up to collect the seeds. ... The best way to remove this gel covering is to allow the fruits to rot and ferment. In nature, this happens when the fruit falls off the plant.

Why is saving seeds illegal?

Farmers who choose to grow genetically modified (GM, or GMO) seed sign a contract stating that they will not save their seed to grow next year. GMO seed is protected under intellectual property laws. To save this seed to plant again the next year will violate a contract and is illegal under Intellectual Property law.

Should I soak tomato seeds before planting?

Simply soak seeds in warm water the night before you'll be planting them to soften the hull of the seeds and help the sprout break the seal. ... To germinate tomato seeds on a paper towel, moisten a single paper towel so that it's damp but not soaked.

When should I plant tomato seeds?

Sow your tomato seeds in March or April, approximately 6-8 weeks before the final frost of the winter, or earlier if you're growing your tomatoes in a greenhouse. Sprinkle the seed thinly onto good quality seed compost. Cover with 1.5mm of compost and water lightly with a fine-rose watering can.

How long do you dry tomato seeds?

Let the seeds dry for five to six days at room temperature in a well-ventilated place. Stir and crumble seeds with your fingers daily to prevent them clumping together.

Do tomato seeds need light to germinate?

Tomato seeds can be sown directly outdoors but may not have enough time to grow to full size and produce, depending on your climate. ... Seeds don't need light to germinate, although after germination, you should ideally give the seedlings 14 or more hours of light a day.

How many tomato seeds do you plant per hole?

Basically, we would recommend planting two seeds per hole and, if both happen to germinate, simply plucking out the shorter or weaker sprout. This applies to both planting in the ground and planting in a pot – going for two seeds is the option that guarantees better germination rates.

Can you ferment seeds too long?

The seeds can also darken if left in this process too long. The fermentation process breaks down the gelatinous material that encases the seed. ... This is why you need to get them from the fermentation to the drying process as quickly as possible. Fermentation is also said to be helpful in eliminating seed borne diseases.

Can you grow tomatoes from store bought?

You can use romas, beefsteaks, or even cherry tomatoes when planting tomato slices. To begin, fill a pot or container with potting soil, almost to the top of the container. ... Water the pot of slicing tomatoes and keep it moist. The seeds should begin to germinate within 7-14 days.