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Owensboro, Ky.

Have read recently about proper harvesting techniques for tomato seeds. Question is...do tomato plants cross pollinate? I grew quite a few diff. kinds of tomatoes in one general area and wonder if the seeds from a particular plant would grow the same kind of tomato next year or if it would be a cross with other types. Thanks for all info. Peace Wayne

9/10/2005 9:24:48 AM

Follansbee, Wv

Wayne,
Tomatoes can and will cross pollinate, depending on the variety. Heirlooms are the best type to save because they will usually maintain their variety. Hybreds, especially F-1's are more difficult and will usually not be the same as the parent plant. The best way to ensure that you get the plant you want is to select a few blossoms early in the year and perform a controlled pollination, much as you would an AG. Just don't forget to mark the chosen fruit so you can identify it later ;)
If you can post the varieties you wish to keep, I can probably tell you if they will perform as expected.

9/10/2005 10:32:22 AM

Montoursville, PA

The lady who developed Big Zac reports that her hybred will reproduce about 75% true the first seed collecting year. The difference, she claims, can be easily seen in vigor before the plants are set into the garden. A little math would indicate planting a second time from seed collected might be more work than value. Her answer is yes they will cross but it is no problem the first year from collected seed if you cull the slower less vigerous seedlings.

Totally Tomato reports that Big Zac will be available for 2006.

The strongest most mature seed is taken, from fruit, that have been left ferment and then when dried take the seed, from the sun dried fruit.

11/24/2005 5:29:21 PM

Montoursville, PA

Again I messed up a bit. Would it not stand to reason that the same 75% would be available providing you got the good seed you planted as selfed Big Zacs. However that is not what the lady said. For the cost of the seed I think I will continue to purchase them....and still cull the seedlings because the seedsmen are not perfect either. They, in fact, have a small percentage, of other, than the hybred they grew.

11/24/2005 5:34:25 PM