3 September 2010, written by Barbara Pleasant
When I was about to move my early tomatoes from the garden to the compost pile because they looked sad, I saw something important. I used up all the seeds from our favorite early tomato, the open-pollinated Stupice, this spring, so I had to get more and save them.
Here are some ripe fruits I picked first. Make sure they don’t have any cracks or holes in them that bugs could use to get inside and spread disease. To keep my tomatoes from pollinating other types, I pick fruits from plants that were not grown with other tomatoes. I also skipped over double fruits because their unusual flower structure makes them more likely to cross with other types. After being very careful to wash my mother fruits well, I cut each one down the middle to get to the biggest, fattest seeds. At this point, I chose to save tomato seeds in all three of the best ways I know of: by fermenting them, drying them out, and burying them in the garden.
Each tomato seed is enclosed in a gelatinous sac. Chemicals in the gel stop the seeds from sprouting until they have a chance to stick themselves into cracks in the soil. In nature, this brilliant plan works great, but the gel residue can be bad for stored seeds because it can be a safe place for diseases that are spread by seeds and soil. A process called fermentation cleans the seeds before they are dried. But don’t use the old method of letting tomato seeds ferment until a smelly scum forms on top of a mixture of tomato gel and water. Recently, several studies have shown that tomato seeds germinate best after being soaked for only one to two days and then rinsed and dried. Fermentation times longer than three days hurt germination.
People who save tomato seeds will be happy to hear this. I can confirm that after 24 hours of letting a mixture of tomato gel and water sit at room temperature, the gel comes off when the big seeds at the bottom of the container are rinsed well in a strainer. Then I put the seeds on a paper plate and dry them for about a week, or until they feel dry and papery and break when I lift them up and fold them in half. If Im drying more than one variety, I write the name on the plate. Tomato seeds usually stay alive for 4 to 6 years, but sometimes they can live longer if they are stored in a cool, dry place.
If tomato seeds are dried without being soaked or fermented first, they may only last one to two years. However, that’s enough time for gardeners who just want to save seed from one year to the next. Large tomato seeds can be taken out of a gel mass with the tip of a knife and dried on a paper plate. You can also arrange seeds on small pieces of coffee filter, paper towel, or toilet tissue to make seed discs or tapes. As a way to start seeds, I like to cut coffee filters into rounds that fit my trays and put two or three seeds on each one. These “seed discs” can be planted whole, or cut into smaller pieces.
Some gardeners just press tomato seeds onto a paper towel, spread them out a bit, and let the towel dry for a few weeks. Once the seed-bearing towel is dry, it can be folded up and put in a labeled envelope to be kept all winter.
Tomato seedlings that grow on their own like weeds are proof that tomato seeds can be saved in the garden. I always plant tomatoes in places that haven’t had them for at least three years. I know where I’ll put them next spring by late summer. When a spot in the future tomato row opens up, I use it to store seeds by burying cut tomatoes or tomato gel there and covering them with two inches (5 cm) of soil and the same amount of biodegradable mulch. The seeds will not sprout when buried deep, and many survive winter. In the spring, I take off the mulch, pat the spot I marked with my hand, and cover it with a cloche to warm the soil. Tomato seedlings appear like magic.
Saving seeds from your homegrown tomatoes is a great way to preserve beloved heirloom varieties or continue growing plants adapted to your garden’s unique conditions. Many seed saving guides recommend fermenting tomato seeds to clean off the gel coating and initiate germination. However, this smelly, messy process isn’t mandatory. With a few simple tools, saving seeds without fermentation is easy.
Why Save Seeds?
Growing plants from your own saved seeds offers many advantages:
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Preserve heirloom and open-pollinated tomatoes perfectly adapted to your climate.
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Avoid hybrids that don’t produce true-to-type plants.
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Save money by not buying new seeds every year.
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Feel satisfaction continuing to grow treasured tomatoes.
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Share seeds with gardening friends and family.
Choose the Right Tomato
When saving tomato seeds, opt for a ripe or overripe heirloom tomato. Underripe fruits contain immature seeds that may not germinate well. Hybrid tomatoes won’t grow true from seeds.
Look for heirlooms like:
- Brandywine
- Cherokee Purple
- Black Krim
- Green Zebra
- Mortgage Lifter
Avoid modern hybrids and grocery store tomatoes.
Collecting & Drying Seeds
Slice tomatoes in half horizontally to access the seed cavities. Scoop out gel and seeds onto a paper towel or rag.
Label the variety and date. Air dry seeds for 1-2 weeks, turning occasionally, until thoroughly dry. Discard any moldy seeds.
Storing Dried Seeds
Transfer dry seeds to envelopes or jars. Store in a cool, dry, dark place. Use within 1 year for best germination rates.
Planting Saved Seeds
In spring, plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in sterile seed starting mix. Keep warm (70-80°F) until sprouted, then grow on at 60-70°F. Harden off and transplant seedlings to the garden after all danger of frost.
Tips for Success
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Select ripe, undamaged heirloom tomatoes. Overripe is fine.
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Dry seeds thoroughly to prevent mold and spoilage.
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Label seeds to avoid confusion.
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Store seeds properly in a cool, dark place.
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Use seeds within a year for optimal germination.
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When starting seeds, maintain proper temperature and humidity.
Why Fermentation is Unnecessary
While fermenting tomato seeds can help remove the gel sacs, it is not required. Here’s why it can be avoided:
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Natural drying also removes most gel from seeds.
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The paper towel method allows you to physically remove remaining gel.
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Fermenting seeds introduces moisture, risking mold.
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Fermentation requires extra time, supplies and mess.
As long as seeds are thoroughly dried, the fermentation process offers no real benefits and can actually damage seeds.
Troubleshooting Problems
Seeds drying too slowly? Move them to a warmer spot with better airflow. You can also put them outside in the sun for part of the day.
Mold forming? Discard any moldy seeds and move the remainder to a drier location. Mold means seeds weren’t dried quickly enough.
Low germination rate? Old seeds lose viability over time. For best results, use seeds within a year and gather fresh each season.
Seedlings weak/poor growth? Optimal soil temperature and humidity is crucial when starting seeds. Make sure conditions are ideal.
Final Thoughts
With a sharp knife, ripe tomato, paper towel, and bit of patience, you can easily save tomato seeds without messy fermentation or complicated steps. Just dry, store, and plant them next season for a bountiful crop of your favorite homegrown heirloom tomatoes.
Plants Related to this Article
If you need help designing your vegetable garden, try our Vegetable Garden Planner.
Tomato Seed Saving (Ultra Fast/No Fermenting!)
How to save tomato seeds without fermenting them?
So, how can you save your tomato seeds without fermenting them? There are three main ways of saving your tomato seeds without fermenting them: the paper towel method, the soil saving method, and the TPS and bleach saving method. These are relatively simple to do; just be sure to clean the seeds first to avoid any pathogens spreading to the seeds.
Can one freeze tomatoes?
Yes. Tomatoes may be frozen raw or cooked, whole, sliced, chopped, or puréed. They do not need to be blanched before freezing. Frozen tomatoes will retain their flavor for 12 months.
Can You Dry tomato seeds without fermenting?
If you plan to dry tomato seed without fermenting, try rubbing the seeds on an abrasive surface (like a fine-mesh strainer or paper towel). This can help break up the seed’s gel sac and clean up the seeds for storage. Fermentation may sound intimidating, but the process is incredibly simple. It just requires a few days of waiting! 4.
Do tomato seeds need to be fermented?
Fermenting the tomato seeds isn’t the only way to preserve them. You can omit the fermentation steps and simply clean and dry the seeds. If you dry your tomato seeds without fermenting them, they will only last 1 to 2 years. This is a good seed-saving option for those who plan to use their seeds quickly.