So, if you read my post from last year about Saving Tomato Seeds, you may be wondering about the different methods. My post last year focused on the fermentation method, which is the traditional way gardeners have been saving seeds for generations.
But I have found recently that I get just as good results using the Paper Towel method, and in fact, sometimes better results. With the fermentation method, there is a risk that germination rates decrease if you leave the seeds to ferment for too long. Plus, while it is not hard, there are a few additional steps.
The paper towel method is simple, fast, and clean. For these reasons alone it is my new go-to method to save tomato seeds. But the fact that the germination rates are high, and consistent, makes it even more attractive.
Paper Towel Method
In my previous post, I talked a bit about the slimy bit that surrounds the seeds of the tomatoes. Scientifically, this gel contains a growth inhibitor which prevents the seed from sprouting while still inside the tomato. The fermentation process purports to remove the gel sac and therefore the growth inhibitor, giving you higher germination rates.
No doubt you’ve seen the Insta and YouTube videos where people are just saving seeds in a plain old paper towel – but does it work? Will the tomatoes sprout the following spring? I (and a number of others) have tested this- and the results are in. While fermentation of your tomato seeds may improve germination rates, I’ve grown consistently super-healthy plants from the paper towel method, so choose whichever method works best for you.
Choosing the Tomato
First, when saving seeds, always choose a large and healthy fruit. You don’t want to choose one that has a deformity or never got very big – those genetic traits can be passed down through the seed. This is true for any plant – including both vegetables and flowers.
Also, heirloom tomatoes will generally stay true to the parent tomato plant that you got the seeds. Hybrid tomatoes will not. What does that mean in plain English? Well, tomatoes you’ve bought from the supermarket, when saved and grown from seeds… the next generation may not turn out like the tomato you bought in the store. This includes some of the tomato plants you grew in your garden, too, that you may have purchased at Big Box stores, such as Ace and Early Girl. However, heirloom tomatoes such as beefsteak, brandywine, or cherokee will be very much like the parent plant. So these are the varieties you want to save seeds from.
Removing, Drying and Saving the Seeds
Slice the tomato in half to expose the seed cavity. (or when you are slicing a tomato for eating, save the seeds which naturally fall out onto the cutting board!) Inspect the seeds to ensure they are large and healthy. There will be a bit of flesh still surrounding the seeds, and that’s fine. Transfer the seeds to a paper towel. Here, you can literally just wipe them up, or scrape them onto the paper towel. The seeds are quite sturdy, so you won’t hurt them.
Now the seeds need to be dried. Place the paper towel (seed side up) on a warm, dry surface such as a countertop or a piece of wax paper. A good place would be on a sunny windowsill. You don’t want them on a towel which could absorb moisture and slow the drying process. Allow the paper towel and the seeds to dry completely. For me, this usually takes only about a day or two.
Saving the Tomato Seeds
Once the seeds are completely dry, I just fold the dry paper towel and put it in my seed collection box. The seeds remain on the paper towel and do not fall off. This is a benefit when planting the following year, especially if you use the paper towel germination method!
Make sure to write the tomato variety and the year right on the paper towel. Tomato seeds should last 5-6 years.
That’s it! easy peasy. Let me know in the comments if you will be saving tomato seeds or if you are already preparing tomato seeds for planting in the comments below!
