Tomato Seeds,
Black from Tula

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, typically in late spring. Make sure that the temperatures are consistently above 50 F to avoid stress on young plants. 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 sterile seed-starting mix. Maintain a soil temperature of 70-80 F for optimal germination, which takes 7-14 days. After hardening off, set transplants about 24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart to give the plants enough room to grow.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Prune by removing suckers and excess foliage to improve air circulation and direct energy toward fruit production. Fertilize regularly using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or an organic alternative. Monitor for common pests such as aphids and hornworms, applying organic pest control if needed. Watch for signs of diseases like early blight and septoria leaf spot, and address issues promptly to protect plant health.

• 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.