How Quickly Do Tomato Seeds Grow?

Seeds from ripe tomatoes can be saved and dried.

Growing tomatoes from seed is a rewarding experience. Watching a small, dormant seed develop into a fruit-producing plant is a magical aspect of the gardening process. Start tomato seeds indoors and transplant outside for best results.

Process

Start tomato seedlings indoors about six weeks before your region's last frost date. Plant seeds in peat pellets or transplant pots under 1/4 inch of peat. Keep the soil evenly moist and place near a south-facing window. Seedlings will emerge in five to 10 days, depending on the plant variety.

Considerations

Cover the seed tray with a sheet of plastic wrap until the seeds germinate. This cover will act as a greenhouse, trapping warmth that can expedite germination. Tomato seeds germinate best when soil temperature is 80 degrees F. Remove the plastic once seedlings are visible.

Potential

Tomato seeds can be harvested and saved for future planting. Scoop seeds from ripe tomatoes and allow them to ferment in a bowl with water, stirring occasionally. After a few days, strain away the liquid and place the seeds on a paper plate to dry. Seed saving works best with heirloom or open pollinated tomato varieties because the saved seeds will produce fruit identical to the parent plant and hybrids won't.

References

• North Carolina State University Extension: Starting Plants From Seeds
• University of Minnesota Extension: Saving Vegetables Seeds: Tomatoes, Peppers, Peas and Beans
• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Vegetable Garden -- Seed for the Garden