Tomato Seeds,
Spear's Tennessee Green

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 F. Under ideal conditions, Spear's Tennessee Green tomatoes typically mature in about 80-90 days from transplanting, continuing a steady harvest all throughout the growing season. 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 a nutrient-rich seed-starting mix, keeping the soil temperatures between 70-80 F during germination. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into larger containers. Before moving them outdoors, harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Plant about 24 inches apart in the garden to give them enough space for growth and air circulation.

Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and side-dress during the growing season as needed. Prune suckers to encourage larger fruit production and improve air circulation. Look out for common tomato pests and diseases. Harvest fruits when they develop a deep olive color and feel slightly soft to the touch.

• 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.