I bought a punnet of different coloured cherry tomatoes, what do I have to do to save some for seed for growing next year?
I take a piece of kitchen towel and squish the seeds onto that fold , dry and store .There is probably a better way but that works for me. Do you know if they are F1?
works with chilies too
Follow the instructions at the bottom of this page:
http://www.realseeds.co.uk/vinetomatoes.html
They also have a free seed saving instruction leaflet you can download:
http://www.realseeds.co.uk/seedsavinginstructions.doc
Last year I grew a good tomato plant by saving seed from one of those "on the
vine" tomato plants at the supermarket. I just put a few on kitchen paper and let them dry thoroughly.
Store better if you ferment the pulp off the seed first... a couple of days in an egg cup does it.. then dry on kitchen paper in a sunny spot for a couple of days... :)
If they are F1, do exactly the same. Next year, grow the plants on. They'll be variable, so save the seed from the one you like best. After doing this repeatedly, you'll end up with a new variety of your own. It's a myth that you can't save seed from F1's!
Last year I collect seed from my coriander and lemon basil. The germination rate this year has been awful.
Both sets of plants were grown in groups of about 15 to 20, and I had lots of bees on them.
Any guesses what could have gone wrong?
Its really fun saving your own seed, you never know quiite what to expect. I have managed to get a cross between two courgettes which have produced an excellent plant.
Its mother was clarita and since it has huge spotty leaves the other party must have been Albarello di Sarzana.
Presume the thing about F1 is that they do not come true to type. I very much like sun gold tomatoes but the price is increasing the numbers in the packet reducing. Used to get 45 in the packet and now down to about 15.
Quote from: saddad on June 19, 2009, 17:29:17
Store better if you ferment the pulp off the seed first... a couple of days in an egg cup does it.. then dry on kitchen paper in a sunny spot for a couple of days... :)
also, the pulp is where any virus tend to lurk
Thank you all for your very helpful replies, I knew I would find a use for the little glass jars I have been saving ;D.
Once the seeds are dry do they need any special conditions for storage?
You need to keep them dry, and a steady, cool temperature is best. I had trouble with my pumpkins and a couple of pea varieties I saved last year. I think it was the damp that did it.
Thank you Richard, glad they don't need any special treatment because I know I would have forgotten until it is too late ::).