Tomato Seeds,
Purple Bumble Bee

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 F, transplant seedlings outdoors. You can find your area’s frost dates through local gardening resources to ensure optimal timing​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources."

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in seed-starting trays with a germination temperature of 75-95 F. After germination, which takes 7-14 days, thin seedlings to the strongest plant per cell. Transplant to individual pots once the second set of leaves appears. Space plants about 24 inches apart in the garden, burying them deep for a strong root system​.

Water regularly, taking care to keep moisture off the leaves. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea, and prune lower leaves to enhance air circulation. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruiting​.

• Most tomatoes are self-pollinating and don't frequently cross; in a garden setting, separating by 25 feet should prevent 99% of cross-pollination. Or you can bag and hand pollinate for 100% purity.
• On a small scale, seeds may be scooped from the fruits and dried on a paper towel.
• For larger quantities or cleaner seeds, fermentation for a few days is recommended.
• Once dry, tomato seed can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place; good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.