However, there are always exceptions. Visit Us, Seed Savers Exchange And remember - label everything each step of the way. To speed up this process, seed savers must deliberately remove the coating from the tomato seed through the process of fermentation. Once the seeds are thoroughly dry, you can store them in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place. Finally, you can remove and dispose of the mold covering. Since 1975, SSE and our supporters have collected the seeds and stories that would otherwise have been lost. Instructions. Here's how to save tomato seeds, step-by-step. Saving heirloom tomato seeds brings back those memories of science classes: beakers and safety goggles, anticipation and disgust, curiosity and pride. You want to harvest the seeds from only the healthiest fruit. But rather than waiting for accidental volunteers, it's quite easy to save seeds from tomato fruits so you can plant them exactly when and where you want. But overall, tomatoes are one of the slower-growing vegetable plants. Learn, Non-GMO Vegetable Seeds To use this method for saving tomato seeds, you’ll again scoop the seeds from the heirloom tomato of your choice, but instead of fermenting them, dry them on a paper towel. Set them in a warm, dry spot and allow the seeds to dry completely. With smaller varieties, cut an 'X' into the bottom of the fruit. Keep seeds out of direct sunlight and allow up to four weeks for seeds to dry fully. You can add some water to the jar or bowl and stir or shake vigorously. Clean the Seeds. To start the process, slice the fruit in half so that the stem end is on one side and the blossom end on the other. Saving seed from heirloom or open0pollinated varieties ensures that the plants will exhibit the same traits as the tomato from which you harvest seed. Tomato fruits are laden with tiny seeds that will readily sprout if they reach the soil. Let the seeds sit for out for 3 to 5 days. Seed Savers Exchange is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of heirloom seeds. Privacy Policy The envelope shown here will be placed in a canning jar. The Barn at Heritage Farm: Renovation (Almost) Complete. Saving heirloom tomato seeds brings back those memories of science classes: beakers and safety goggles, anticipation and disgust, curiosity and pride. how to save seeds of heirloom tomatoes 1. You want to save seed from the finest fruit, so that next year's plant will have good genes. Heirloom Flower Seeds The process is done when bubbles start rising from the mixture or when the entire layer of tomato pulp is covered with mold. Save these seeds. The first step is to choose your best-looking tomatoes. Whichever the case, scoop the seeds into a clean bowl or jar. And in addition to being rare, heirloom tomatoes often are especially flavorful and my have unusual colors and shapes. Placing the seeds in front of a fan will help them dry faster. First, pick a tomato that is ripe and ready to eat. It can take tomato seeds six to eight weeks to become viable seedlings, then once planted outdoors, the seedlings may require as much as two months to produce ripe fruit. It requires a fermenting process. When you’re... Fermenting Tomato Seeds. Save these seeds. Decorah, Iowa 52101, Customer Service Hours: Pour the remaining liquid and seeds into a kitchen strainer and wash the seeds thoroughly under running water. When saving tomato seeds, begin by selecting a healthy, ripe tomato from your best plant. Cut the tomatoes in half width-wise to expose the seeds. Allow the seed mixture to sit until the surface is partially covered with whitish mold (in three … Lifting it before rinsing the seeds will make rinsing easier, but it's not necessary. One of the first steps to properly saving tomato seeds is choosing the right seeds. Heirloom Bean Seeds How To Save Tomato Seeds For Next Year Choose Your Tomatoes Wisely. In nature, ripe tomatoes fall from the plant and slowly rot, allowing natural weathering to break down the gelatinous coating on the seed. Shake them on the plate daily to make sure they don't clump and that they dry evenly. Heirloom tomatoes are the highlight of summer—beautiful colors and bountiful flavors! If there is not enough liquid from the tomato pulp for the seeds to float in, add up to a cup of water to help separate the seeds from the pulp.