Can you save seeds from affected tomatoes?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.It is perfectly safe to save seeds from tomatoes affected by blossom end rot. It does not influence the genetics or viability of the seed. You will want to collect seeds from parts of the fruit that have not been affected and stay clear of the area where it was rotten. I've grown healthy plants from seeds of affected tomatoes for several years.
Selection Criteria
- Choose fruits with less than 30% damage showing firm flesh away from lesions
- Prioritize tomatoes from healthy vigorous plants with good yield history
- Avoid fruits with secondary infections mold or unusual discoloration
Extraction Process
- Cut tomatoes horizontally to access undamaged seed cavities
- Scoop gelatinous seed mass into clean glass containers
- Add equal water volume and ferment 3-5 days breaking down inhibitors
Processing & Storage
- Rinse fermented seeds thoroughly under running water using fine mesh
- Dry completely on paper towels in single layers away from sunlight
- Store in labeled airtight containers with silica gel packs in cool dark locations
During natural seed fermentation, inhibitors that may be found in tomato seeds are expelled. This process lasts 4 days and dissolves the gel coating, preventing prospective pathogens. I perform seed fermentation in my garage during the summer, checking for mold formation every 12 hours.
Ensure that you dry the seeds thoroughly before storing them. Spread washed seeds in single layers on coffee filters. Place the seeds in an area with gentle airflow, such as near a fan on a low setting. Complete drying takes about 5-7 days. To determine if they are dry, the seeds should snap, not bend, when bent. Once dried, store them in a glass jar with a tight seal.
Consider the varieties you might want to select for your future gardens. If you save seeds and grow true to type, choose disease-resistant varieties like Mountain Merit for increasing in less-than-ideal conditions. I rotate saved seeds with commercially grown variety seeds for genetic diversity.
Each year, test your stored seeds for viability. To test germination, gather 10 seeds and moisten paper towels. After 5 days, assess germination. Remove any batches that germinate with fewer than five seeds or less than 75%. Always label your containers with harvest dates, so that you can rotate your inventory every 4 years.
Read the full article: Tomato Blossom End Rot Explained Simply
