How to collect the seeds of tomatoes?

Often it happens that the fruits of tomato please the size, color, taste. How can you make sure that you get the same good harvest next year? To do this, you just need to grow tomatoes from seeds, which you yourself will collect. The process, in fact, is not as simple as it might seem at first glance, but it is definitely worth it if the fruits have grown tasty, juicy and large.

How to properly harvest tomato seeds?

The first step for self-harvesting tomato seeds will be the selection of a worthy fruit. It should be from the first or second branch of the bush, and in addition, to be the best pattern. Choose the tomato that fully corresponds to the concept of "ideal" when considering the shape, color, size. If you find a suitable tomato, boldly tear it from the brush and proceed to extract the seeds.

If you do not know how to release the seeds from tomatoes, cut the fruit into two halves across, take out the middle, flesh and seeds, and then place it in a transparent jar. Due to the fact that growth inhibitors may exist in the seed coat, which will prevent germination of seeds directly inside the tomato, fermentation is necessary. In the process of decay, this shell will decompose.

Place a jar of pulp and seeds in a warm place, if necessary, cover with a cloth that passes freely the air, or gauze and

leave for 3-5 days. It is advisable to sign the bank, if you are simultaneously engaged in the extraction of seeds of several varieties of tomatoes. A visible indicator, indicating that it is possible to start separating seeds, will be the emergence of a layer of mold on the surface of the mass or the presence of bubbles. In addition, if you look at the side of the can from the side, you will see that the seeds have sank to the bottom, while the rest of the mass has risen up and is covered with a thin layer of mold. If the fermentation is delayed for some reason, the seeds released from the shells can begin to germinate directly in the jar, so carefully monitor the process.

After a few days, when the desired effect is reached, add to the jar of clean water and shake well, and after the seeds have gone to the bottom, drain the dirty water. For best purification, this procedure should be repeated several times.

The next step is calibration. Prepare the salt solution at the rate of 0.5 teaspoon of salt per glass of water and place the seeds in it. Those that pop up, throw away without regrets, a good harvest of them just will not work. The remaining mass is poured onto a sieve and rinsed properly under running water.

How to save seeds?

Now you know how to properly collect the seeds of tomatoes, it remains only to dry them to save until next year. For drying, use a plate or a glass dish, evenly distributing the seeds for good drying. Using paper can cause the grains to stick to it, and then you can not separate them. The plate is better placed in a dry warm place and for several days, shake the contents regularly, so that the seeds evenly dry out and do not stick together. Dry seeds gather in paper bags, sign the grade and date of collection, and then put in an airtight container and leave in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.

Collected in this way, the seeds of the tomato varieties you like are perfect for sowing the next year. Knowing how to properly harvest tomato seeds, you can grow your own tomatoes in your garden.