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Can You Save Cherry Tomato Seeds?

Published in Seed Saving 4 mins read

Yes, you can absolutely save cherry tomato seeds! As a type of tomato, cherry tomato seeds share the remarkable characteristic of being highly viable for extended periods, making them an excellent candidate for home seed saving.


Why Save Cherry Tomato Seeds?

Saving seeds from your favorite cherry tomato varieties offers several rewarding benefits:

  • Cost Savings: Reduce your annual expenditure on new seeds.
  • Preservation of Varieties: Keep unique or heirloom cherry tomato strains alive that might not be available commercially.
  • Adaptation to Your Garden: Over generations, seeds saved from plants grown in your specific environment may adapt better to your local conditions.
  • Self-Sufficiency: Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own plants from start to finish.

How to Save Cherry Tomato Seeds: A Simple Guide

The most common and effective method for saving tomato seeds, including cherry tomatoes, involves a fermentation process. This process helps separate the seeds from the pulp and reduces the risk of seed-borne diseases.

  1. Select Ripe Fruit: Choose the ripest, healthiest, and disease-free cherry tomatoes from your strongest plants. Avoid any fruit that shows signs of disease, cracking, or rot.
  2. Extract Seeds:
    • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
    • Gently squeeze or scoop the seeds and their surrounding gelatinous pulp into a small jar or container. Add a little water if needed to cover the pulp.
  3. Ferment the Pulp:
    • Cover the jar with a breathable material like cheesecloth or a coffee filter, secured with a rubber band. This allows air circulation while keeping out fruit flies.
    • Place the jar in a warm spot out of direct sunlight.
    • Allow the mixture to ferment for 2-5 days. During this time, a layer of mold may form on top, and the viable seeds will sink to the bottom. This process breaks down the gelatinous sac around each seed, which inhibits germination.
    • Stir the mixture once or twice daily.
  4. Clean the Seeds:
    • Once fermentation is complete (you'll see mold and most seeds at the bottom), carefully pour off the moldy top layer and any floating pulp.
    • Add fresh water to the jar, stir, and pour off the debris again. Repeat this rinsing process several times until the seeds are clean.
  5. Dry the Seeds Thoroughly:
    • Spread the clean seeds in a single layer on a non-stick surface, such as a ceramic plate, glass, coffee filter, or parchment paper. Avoid paper towels as seeds can stick.
    • Place them in a warm, dry area with good air circulation, out of direct sunlight.
    • Allow them to dry completely for 1-3 weeks. The seeds should be brittle and break easily when bent, not flexible. Any moisture can lead to mold or rot during storage.
  6. Store the Seeds: Once completely dry, store your cherry tomato seeds properly to maintain their viability.

Optimal Storage Conditions for Cherry Tomato Seeds

Proper storage is crucial for ensuring your saved seeds remain viable for future planting. According to general guidelines for tomato seeds:

Tomato seeds remain viable for years, even stored at room temperature. For extra protection, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer, but let them come to room temperature before opening the jar so you don't introduce moisture from condensation.

Here's a breakdown of recommended storage methods:

Storage Method Viability Expectation Notes
Room Temperature Years Store in a cool, dry, dark place (e.g., a closet or pantry). Ensure containers are airtight to protect from humidity and pests.
Refrigerator/Freezer Extended Years Offers extra protection and significantly prolongs viability. Store in airtight containers (e.g., glass jars, sealed plastic bags). Important: Allow the container to come to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation, which can introduce moisture and harm the seeds.

Always store seeds in airtight containers, such as small glass jars, sealed plastic bags, or paper envelopes placed inside a larger airtight container. Label your containers clearly with the tomato variety and the date the seeds were saved.


Important Considerations for Seed Saving Success

  • Open-Pollinated vs. Hybrid Varieties: For true-to-type results, it's best to save seeds from open-pollinated or heirloom cherry tomato varieties. Seeds saved from hybrid (F1) varieties often do not grow true to the parent plant, meaning the offspring may exhibit different characteristics or be sterile.
  • Disease Prevention: Only save seeds from healthy plants to avoid carrying over plant diseases.
  • Testing Viability: If you're unsure about the viability of older seeds, you can perform a simple germination test by placing a few seeds on a damp paper towel in a sealed bag and observing if they sprout after a few days.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can successfully save cherry tomato seeds and ensure a bountiful harvest in your future gardens!