Saving Tomato Seeds: Can You Replant from Your Harvest?

Seed Saving Basics

Yes, you can save seeds from your 'acid-free' tomatoes, but there are important caveats. The seeds must be thoroughly cleaned, fermented briefly to remove gel coating, and dried completely before storage. However, saved seeds may not breed true if the parent plant was a hybrid, and they lack the disease resistance of commercially treated seeds.

Timing for Planting in Ontario

Given Ontario's climate, November is far too early for starting tomatoes. Wait until late winter or early spring (March–April) to sow seeds indoors under grow lights or in a sunny window. Transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed, typically late May.

Best Practices for Success

• Use fresh, high-quality seed-starting mix.
• Provide 12–16 hours of light daily.
• Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting.
• Consider purchasing new seeds of the same variety for more reliable results.

While saving seeds can be a rewarding experiment, starting with fresh seed often yields stronger, more productive plants.