How to Save Seeds from Tomatoes

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By cakewalk
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Save Seeds from Tomatoes

Tomatoes are an easy way to introduce yourself to saving seeds. All varieties of tomatoes can be saved, but only choose those that are non-hybrids. Heirloom types of tomatoes, old-fashioned types with sometimes a rainbow of colors and flavors, go in and out of fashion and can be hard to find from one year to the next. Saving the seeds can ensure the repeated growing of your favorite varieties.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Non-Hybrid Tomato Plants, healthy and matured
Water
Sifter/Sieve/Strainer
Paper Towels
Warm, Dry Place
Air-Tight Container

Step 1

In your garden, identify those tomatoes that are from the healthiest plants. By doing this, you are choosing the tomatoes that are the strongest contenders for reproducing the best crop for the next year.
Step 2

Pick tomatoes that are fully ripened, but are free of rot and are still on the stem. Avoid the tomatoes that have fallen to the ground.
Step 3

Cut the skin off and remove the pulp from the sides. Carefully separate the seeds from the tomato pulp and sides and rinse in a bowl of water. Let the seeds soak in a bowl of fresh water for about a day.
Step 4

Pour the bowl of water and the seeds though a strainer or sieve, then remove any remaining pulp if still attached to seeds. Turn upside down over paper towelling, and tap to remove all the seeds. Gently separate the seeds and place in a dry, well ventilated area with very little humidity.
Step 5

Test for seed dryness after about 7 days. Take some of the tomato seeds and try to bend them. If they are pliable, they still have a bit of moisture and need time to dry. If they break or snap easily, they are dry and ready for storage.
Step 6

Collect all the properly dried seeds and place in an air-tight container. Label with name and variety of tomato and when the seeds were collected and dried. Keep in a dry area for storage.