From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Thomas wv

Would like to know how everyone harvest thier tomato seeds thier are a lot of ways out there and I would like to try a few different ways to see what does best for me

8/3/2019 10:38:13 PM

Lebanon, Oregon

I use the Oxyclean method. It’s better if you age your tomato until it’s red and soft first before processing the seeds. Congratulations on your 4.02 by the way!

8/4/2019 12:07:13 AM

Grittyville, WA

If you want to eat the tomato on a burger cut thin slices off and pick the seeds as you go... Cut the bottom pick all the visible seeds out of the tomato then slice again. Repeat until you have a plate of sliced tomato and a pile of seeds. Then process the seeds or let them dry but they tend to glue together and glue to whatever they are on. I think thats why you'd want to oxyclean them. I will probably ferment in a closed jar I worry they would sprout if there was too much oxygen available. Monkey with them too much and they will sprout...! Get em dry...

8/4/2019 12:47:22 AM

central Nc

This is my first year using oxyclean method. I just did a germination test comparing 30 seeds that were fermented and 30 oxycleaned. 100% germ for all but the fermented came up 1 day earlier (all from same tomato). Oxyclean is much easier and faster so I'll probably use it for the most part now.

8/4/2019 7:32:59 AM

Pittsburgh, PA

Oxyclean works well and is pretty simple to do.

8/4/2019 3:11:06 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

Oxyclean here.

8/4/2019 3:57:11 PM

Central NY

Old school is more fun...like panning for gold...congrats on the 4.02..!!!

8/4/2019 4:20:28 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

In the past I have used TSP which is very similiar to oxyclean. Ran about 95% germination rates. Last year when harvesting 20,000 seeds I switched to the fermentation method. It appears I am at abot 87% with this. Either method works..I havent tested any method that does not remove gel coat.

8/4/2019 5:29:21 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

I have used TSP, Oxyclean & the fermentation method.
They all work.
Disadvantage to fermentation is odor & time.
At room temperature it generally takes 4 days.
I have had the impression that I didn’t get as many seeds when using ISP or Oxyclean or TSP, so now I am back to fermentation.
But I still use TSP to sterilize the seed exterior afterwards prior to drying.

8/5/2019 3:15:10 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

I am unsure where the “ISP” came from.
I haven’t noticed any difference in germination rate between these methods of cleaning the seeds.

8/5/2019 3:19:00 PM