How to Dry Tomato Seeds to Plant

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens. If you want to save your own tomato seeds to plant next year, it's essential to dry them properly. Drying your tomato seeds ensures that they will not mold or rot during storage and will be viable for planting next season.

Harvesting Tomato Seeds

The first step in drying tomato seeds is harvesting them from the fruit. The key to harvesting tomato seeds is choosing ripe, healthy tomatoes. The tomatoes should be fully mature and not overripe or underripe. Overripe tomatoes may have mold or rot, which can spread to your seeds. Underripe tomatoes may not have developed fully developed seeds.

To harvest the seeds, cut open the tomato and gently squeeze out the juice and seeds into a bowl. Then rinse the seeds in a fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining juice and flesh.

Drying Tomato Seeds

Once you've harvested your tomato seeds, the next step is to dry them. It's important to dry the seeds thoroughly to prevent mold or rot that can occur during storage.

Spread your tomato seeds out in a single layer on a piece of paper towel or a coffee filter. Make sure the seeds aren't touching each other so that they can dry evenly. Place the paper towel or coffee filter in a dry, warm place with good air circulation.

Allow the seeds to dry completely. This may take several days or up to a week or more, depending on the humidity in your area. You'll know your tomato seeds are dry when they feel hard and brittle to the touch.

Storing Tomato Seeds

Once your tomato seeds are completely dry, it's time to store them for planting next season. The best way to store tomato seeds is in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. Be sure to label the container with the date and variety of tomato.

Store your tomato seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A dark, cool closet or pantry is a good place to store your seeds. Stored properly, tomato seeds will remain viable for up to four years.

Conclusion

Drying your own tomato seeds is an easy and cost-effective way to save seeds for planting next season. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your tomato seeds will be dry and viable for planting. Remember to choose ripe, healthy tomatoes, dry your seeds thoroughly, and store them properly for the best results.