Tomato Seeds,
Marina's Praise

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant outdoors only after the risk of frost has passed and temperatures don’t drop below 60 F. Check your local region’s frost dates to determine a specific planting time. 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 mix indoors. During germination, keep the soil temperature between 70-80 F. Provide 6-8 hours of light daily using grow lights or a sunny window. Harden off seedlings for about a week before transplanting them outdoors. Space plants 24 inches apart in rows spaced 3-4 feet apart.

Water deeply 1-2 times per week, adjusting for rainfall, and mulch to retain soil moisture. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when fruiting begins. Provide sturdy support such as cages or trellises for the heavy vines. Regularly remove suckers and yellowing leaves to improve airflow and focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.

• 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.