How to Save Tomato Seeds for Re-Planting
Gardeners save tomato seeds for replanting the next year for a number of reasons. Two of the most common reasons include the tomatoes are heirloom varieties they have raised for years, and that it saves them the expense of purchasing new seed year after year. Not all tomato seed can be saved, as only heirloom and non-hybrid varieties will produce the same type of tomato year after year. Saving tomato seeds is a simple process and does not require any special equipment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select only the most perfect tomatoes from the healthiest plants for saving.
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Place the colander inside one of the large bowls. Set the second large bowl close to the first.
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Use a serrated knife to cut the tomatoes in half over a wire mesh colander. The colander will catch any seeds that fall from the tomatoes during the cutting process.
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Use your fingers to scoop the seeds from the inside of the tomatoes into the colander. Place the fruit of the tomato into the second large bowl, as it can be cut up and used for sauce or salads.
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Remove the colander from the bowl and set it in the kitchen sink. Under low pressure cold water, gently rinse the seeds to remove any remaining flesh from the tomatoes.
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Lay out several layers of paper towels and place the washed seed in a single layer on top of the towels to drain. Use a second paper towel to gently press on the top of the seeds to remove excess water.
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Transfer the seeds to fresh, dry paper towels and place in a cool, dry area to allow the seeds to dry fully. This will take from three days to a week.
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Store the dried seeds in an envelope and seal the envelope closed. Label the envelop with the type of tomato seeds inside. Store in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid or in the refrigerator.
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Tips & Warnings
You can save seed from almost any non-hybrid vegetable using this method. While hybrid tomato seed can be saved, you have no assurance as to the type of tomato that will grow when you plant the seed. Hybrids are a combination of two or more different plants and the replanted tomato seed can revert to any of the original variety of plant.
