Tomato Seeds,
Amish Paste

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and temperatures stay above 60 F. This timing ensures that plants are established in the warmer 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 seed-starting trays or pots filled with quality seed-starting mix. Maintain a warm environment, ideally between 70-80 F during germination. Use a heat mat if necessary. Once seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, harden them off over 7-10 days. Transplant seedlings into the garden, spacing them about 24 inches apart.

Water plants deeply at the base to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk. Applying mulch around the base helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Pruning side shoots, or suckers, can encourage a single main stem, improving air circulation and focusing 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.