How to Dry Tomato Seeds for Planting
Tomato plants are popular with home gardeners. They are easy to grow and maintain, and their fruit is versatile. Many gardeners purchase tomato plants to cultivate, but if you already have tomato plants, you can cultivate your own seeds. To continue your tomato-growing experience or give seeds to your friends, follow a few easy steps to collect and dry the seeds for future plantings. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Pick your healthiest, disease-free tomatoes. Cut them in half at their equators.
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2
Squeeze the tomatoes into several separate containers to extricate the seeds.
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3
Label each container with the date and type of tomato to track your curing process.
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4
Place the containers in a warm location (approximately 80 degrees) out of direct sunlight. Put the lids on loosely to allow some circulation.
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5
Leave the containers for one to three days. Stir them occasionally. Expect some of the seeds to rise to the top and dry out.
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6
Take the containers outside and pour off the top liquid and scum.
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7
Add water to each container, stir and pour out the excess again. This will clean out bad seeds, pieces of plant and additional tomato juice.
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8
Pour more water into the containers and rinse again.
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9
Invert the containers onto coffee filters to transfer the seeds to their drying medium.
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Label the filters with your dates and tomato types to track the seeds.
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Leave the coffee filters in a warm, dry location with circulation. Stir the seeds daily until they're dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Up to 50 percent of your seeds will sprout when you plant them.
You can store tomato seeds up to 10 years if you dry them correctly.
If you leave seeds in water for too long, they'll sprout or rot.
Never use paper towels for the drying process since the seeds will stick to them.
