It’s so much fun to grow lots of different varieties of heirloom tomatoes, isn’t it? The best part is finding a new favorite that you’ll grow year after year. That’s when knowing how to save seeds from heirloom tomatoes really comes in handy.
Saving Tomato Seeds
One of the advantages to growing heirloom tomatoes, as opposed to hybrids, is that you may save the seeds and count on them producing true in the next generation. (If you’re confused about heirloom vs hybrid seeds, you’ll find this post helpful).
There are a few steps to saving heirloom tomato seeds, but it is an easy process.
Tomato seeds are encased in a gel which contains growth inhibitors to prevent the seed from sprouting inside the tomato. This gel needs to be removed through a fermentation process in order to save the seed.
To save seeds from heirloom tomatoes, choose a quality tomato that is fully ripe. Cut it in half so that the stem end is on one side and the blossom end on the other. You will easily see the seed cavities when you cut the tomato this way.
Using a spoon, scoop the seeds into a glass container. Add a small amount of water so that the seeds are floating in liquid. Cover the top of the container with cheesecloth or a coffee filter and secure with a rubber band, to keep insects away.
Allow this to sit for 2 – 4 days so that the mixture can ferment. Don’t forget to label each variety carefully to avoid confusion later on.
A layer of mold will form on the top of the liquid. When the layer is fully formed across the top, and the seeds have settled to the bottom, the process is complete.
Skim the mold from the top. Strain the seeds and rinse well under running water until all the pulp is removed and only seeds remain. Spread the seeds onto a plate or a coffee filter and allow them to dry thoroughly. They tend to stick to paper towels, so it is best not to use them.
The seeds will take several days to dry. Spread them around occasionally to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Once they are completely dry, store them in an envelope that is marked with the date and variety. It is best to store your envelopes in an airtight container such as a jar or a plastic bag. Properly stored, your seeds will be viable for 3 – 5 years.
Saving seeds from heirloom tomatoes is a simple process and an easy way to save money, and to share or trade seeds with friends.
To learn how to build a garden that builds healthy soil, be sure to check out my eBook The Art of Gardening: Building Your Soil. You really can become a better gardener, and you really can grow healthy, nourishing produce. It’s all about the soil! Click here to buy now.
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leslie says
Hi, thanks for the post I started heirloom tomatoes this year and was wondering about seed saving. How long will the seeds be viable? Thanks Leslie
susanv says
Hi Leslie. Thanks for visiting! Generally, tomato seeds are good for 3 – 5 years.
Esther says
I LIKE to dry my small seeds on paper towel BECAUSE they stick to it. Then when I am starting seedlings, I just tear off 3 seeds, plant the paper towel with seeds, and don’t fumble with individual seeds. I LOVE it!
Susan Vinskofski says
Oh, great idea!
Barb says
I saved heirloom seeds for the first time last fall in the same method you described here. I did a trial run on the seeds in January of this year. It’s now March and I can’t believe how beautiful my tomato plants are. I have a gardening friend who tells me I don’t have to do this, just let the pulp dry and take the seeds to plant. I’m thinking the fermentation process has something to do with a healthy, strong plant? I found the fermentation process very easy. What say you ?
Susan Vinskofski says
It sounds like you have a science project on your hands! I was taught to ferment, but I’ve not tried just drying the pulp so I can’t give you a definitive answer. I’d love to know what you find out.