How to Preserve Fruit Seeds

Preserve fruit seeds for later planting.

Growing fruit and vegetables seeds is an inexpensive way to propagate plants in your garden. Saving the seeds from your current plants saves even more money while also ensuring you have seed for your favorite plant varieties. Many garden plants, including tomatoes, berries, melons and some tree fruits, produce viable seeds. Fruits tend to surround seeds in a messy pulp that must be removed before you can preserve the seeds properly.

Things You'll Need

• Colander
• Glass
• Paper towels
• Paper bag

Instructions

1. Cut open the fruit and scoop out the seeds. Place the seeds in a colander and rinse away as much pulp as possible.

2. Place seeds that are covered in a gel-like, hard-to-remove pulp inside a glass. Fill the glass with water and leave it sitting for three to five days. Pour off the pulp once it rises to the top of the water and once the seeds sink to the bottom of the glass.

3. Spread the seeds out on a paper towel. Place them in a dry, well-ventilated room to dry. Drying takes approximately five to seven days.

4. Label a paper bag with the fruit variety and date harvested. Place the dried seeds inside. Fold over the top of the bag and seal closed.

5. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you are ready to replant. A basement or other cool storage area is preferred.

Tips & Warnings

• Store the seed bags in a closed jar in the refrigerator if you don't have a suitable storage place.

• Hybrid seeds rarely produce viable plants. Save seeds only from open-pollinated or heirloom fruit varieties.

References

• West Virginia University: Seed Saving Tips
• Oregon State University Extension: How to Save Seed From Your Garden Favorites

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese