How to Extract a Tomato Seed
Tomatoes are present in many home gardens. Instead of purchasing seeds each year, save seeds from your existing plants for next year's tomato garden. Extracting the seeds from tomatoes requires a different method than used in most other vegetables. Avoid saving seeds from hybrid varieties as they don't produce plants the same as the parent. Save seeds from heirloom and non-hybrid varieties to ensure the new tomato plants grow to be as strong and tasty as the plants the seeds came from. Most seed suppliers mark the seeds that are heirloom and non-hybrid. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Choose tomatoes from the healthiest tomato plant in your garden to save seeds from. Allow the largest fruit to ripen on the vine until the skin begins to wrinkle, then pick it.
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Cut the tomato in half with a serrated knife. Scoop out the seeds and the gel-like pulp that surrounds them and place in a glass.
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Cover the glass with a paper plate or cheesecloth to keep dust and debris out. Set it aside for two to three days or until the seeds sink to the bottom.
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Fill the glass halfway with water after the seeds begin to separate from the gel. Pour off the water and gel carefully into the sink, leaving the seeds in the bottom of the glass where they sank to when you added the water.
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Lay the seeds out on a paper towel in a single layer. Allow to dry at room temperature for one week or until they are completely dry.
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Store seeds in an envelope marked with the seed variety until next spring. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator if you need to store them longer.
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Tips & Warnings
Tomato seeds remain viable for up to five years after being saved.
Place 1/2 cup of powdered milk in a cloth bag inside the jar as it will absorb any moisture and keep the seeds from rotting during longterm storage.
Store seeds where they will not be fed on by insects.
