Checking the Viability of Over-Fermented Tomato Seeds – Tips and Tricks
Tomato seeds are usually fermented for four days to improve their germination rate. However, if left too long, the color of the seeds may darken from a light straw color to a light or medium brown. This begs the question: will over-fermented tomato seeds still be viable?
The answer is yes – but it depends on the color of the seeds. If they are black, then no; however, lighter shades of brown may still have some viability. It’s also important to consider how hard it might be to find replacement seeds in case the ones you have aren’t viable.
If you’re not sure whether your over-fermented tomato seeds are still viable, one way to test them is to do a germination test before next sowing season. Carolyn and Bill both had experience with this method and found that even when the tomato seeds were dry and conglomerate, they were still able to germinate after eight years.
It’s possible for tomato seeds to start germinating while fermenting if they are left too long. Once this happens, they are no longer viable, regardless of their color. To avoid this issue, make sure to keep an eye on your fermentation process and take out the seeds as soon as they reach the desired level of fermentation.
Overall, it’s important to remember that tomato seed viability can depend on many factors such as time spent fermenting and the color of the seeds. While darker colors may indicate that the seeds won’t germinate, doing a germination test is the only way to know for sure.If you’re looking for a way to save money on tomato seeds, it may be worth trying out over-fermented ones. Just make sure to keep an eye on the fermentation process and do a germination test before planting them in your garden. With some luck, you might just find that they are still viable!
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Will the darker color of tomato seeds affect their germination?
Yes, it depends on what color they are which can range from a light brown to a darker brown to BLACK. When the black ones are dried down, they usually won't germinate. However, if you have enough of those seeds, do a germination test and see what happens.
Is there any way to know for sure if the tomato seeds will germinate?
The only way to find out for sure is to do a germination test. If you have enough seeds, do the test before next sowing season.
What should I do if I don't have enough tomato seeds?
If you don't have enough seeds, it may be hard to find replacement seeds as to where and if still available. You can try to look for other varieties of tomatoes that are similar in size, shape and color. You can also look for heirloom varieties that may be available from local farmers or seed companies.
What is the best way to store tomato seeds?
Tomato seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It's best to keep them in an airtight container such as a jar or plastic bag. Make sure to label the container with the variety name and date of collection. Additionally, you can add a few drops of water to the container before sealing it to help maintain moisture levels.