Tomato Seed Saving — FarmPal

Tomatoes are the easiest seeds to save. Self-pollinating with thick gel coating that requires fermentation to remove. Perfect first seed-saving project.

Pollination
self
Isolation
10-25 feet (cross-pollination rare but possible by bees)
Seed Maturity
Seeds mature when fruit is ripe
Storage Life
4-10 years when properly dried and stored

Harvest

  1. 1Select the best-tasting, healthiest fruit from your best plant
  2. 2Cut tomato in half and squeeze seeds and gel into a jar
  3. 3Add equal amount of water to the jar

Processing

  1. 1Ferment seed/water mixture for 2-3 days at room temperature
  2. 2Stir once daily mold forming on top is normal and beneficial
  3. 3When bubbles appear and seeds sink, fermentation is complete
  4. 4Pour off mold and floating debris, add clean water
  5. 5Repeat rinsing until only clean seeds remain at bottom
  6. 6Spread seeds on coffee filter or plate to dry completely (5-7 days)
  7. 7Seeds should snap, not bend, when fully dry

Storage Tips

  • •Store in paper envelopes inside airtight container
  • •Add silica gel packet to container
  • •Keep in cool, dark, dry place (or refrigerator)
  • •Label with variety name, date, and any notes about the parent plant

Pro Tips

  • 💡Only save from open-pollinated/heirloom varieties hybrid (F1) won't breed true
  • 💡Select seed parents based on flavor, health, productivity not just size
  • 💡Save from at least 5-6 fruits from different plants for genetic diversity
  • 💡Fermentation removes germination-inhibiting gel and kills seed-borne diseases