How to Use Seeds From Tomatoes for Planting

Save tomato seeds to plant next year.

Although many gardeners buy new tomato seeds each year to plant in their garden, you can also harvest the seeds from your own tomato fruits. At the end of the growing season, collect the seeds and store them for the winter. When it is time to plant your garden the following year, you can plant the seeds and they will grow into mature tomato plants. Proper preparation and storage are vital to maintaining the viability of the tomato seeds.

Things You'll Need

• Tomatoes
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Clear jar
• Water
• Masking tape
• Marker
• Strainer
• Paper plate
• Envelope
• Seed tray
• Seed starting mix
• Heating mat (optional)

Instructions

Saving Tomato Seeds

1. Wait until late in the growing season and pick three to four tomatoes that are fully ripe and completely free of disease. Look for the best tomatoes on the plants.

2. Place the tomatoes on a cutting board and cut them in half using a knife. Hold each section of tomato over a glass jar and squeeze it until most of the pulp and seeds come out.

3. Add 2 to 3 inches of lukewarm water to the jar and place a piece of masking tape on it. Label the tape with a marker so you know which tomato variety the seeds are. Set the jar out of the way and allow it to sit for two to three days. The jar is ready when white mold forms on top of the water.

4. Pour out the mold, water and any seeds that are floating since they are no good. Scoop out the remaining seeds and place them in a strainer. Rinse the seeds with clean water and spread them in single layer on a paper plate.

5. Allow the seeds to dry completely for several days then place them in an envelope and store them in a cold, dry location until spring.

Planting Tomato Seeds

1. Wait until six to eight weeks before the last frost and fill a seed tray two-thirds full of a seed-starting mix.

2. Remove the tomato seeds from storage and place one on top of the soil in each tray compartment. Cover the seeds with another layer of seed-starting mix until they are no longer visible.

3. Water the seeds well until the soil mixture is completely soaked.

4. Place the tray in a warm location that is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If needed, place the tray on a heating mat set to this temperature range.

Tips & Warnings

• You can store tomato seeds for up to 10 years.

References

• Planet Green: How to Save Tomato Seeds
• Renee's Garden: Starting Tomato Seeds Indoors - Technique Tips with Photos