Hey there, fellow tomato lovers! I’ve been growing tomatoes in my backyard for years, and one question that keeps popping up is about those tiny, slippery seeds inside our favorite fruit (yes, technically it’s a fruit!). Let’s dive deep into the world of tomato seeds and uncover some fascinating facts
The Short Answer
While the exact number varies depending on the tomato variety and size, most regular-sized tomatoes contain between 150-300 seeds But hold on – there’s way more to this story!
Different Tomato Varieties = Different Seed Counts
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically find:
- Cherry Tomatoes: 50-100 seeds
- Roma/Plum Tomatoes: 100-150 seeds
- Regular Slicing Tomatoes: 150-300 seeds
- Beefsteak Tomatoes: 200-400+ seeds
Factors That Affect Seed Count
-
Size Matters
- Bigger tomatoes usually have more seed cavities
- More cavities = more seeds
- But size isn’t everything! (We’ll get to that)
-
Variety Type
- Heirloom varieties often have more seeds
- Modern hybrids might have fewer seeds
- Some varieties are specifically bred to be low-seed
-
Growing Conditions
- Healthy plants = better seed production
- Stressed plants might produce fewer seeds
- Weather conditions can affect seed development
Why Do Tomatoes Have So Many Seeds?
Nature’s pretty smart, y’know? Here’s why tomatoes pack so many seeds:
- Survival Strategy: More seeds = better chances of reproduction
- Dispersal Method: Animals eat tomatoes and spread seeds
- Genetic Diversity: Large numbers create more variation
Fun Facts About Tomato Seeds
-
Seed Viability
- Tomato seeds can stay viable for 4-10 years when stored properly
- Some gardeners have successfully grown plants from 15-year-old seeds!
-
Germination Rate
- Fresh seeds have about 75-95% germination rate
- Each seed contains everything needed to grow a new plant
Practical Uses for Tomato Seeds
Saving Seeds for Next Season
- Choose healthy, ripe tomatoes
- Scoop out seeds with pulp
- Ferment for 2-3 days
- Rinse and dry thoroughly
- Store in paper envelope
Culinary Uses
- Some folks actually eat the seeds!
- They’re rich in:
- Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
Tips for Seed Removal
If you’re not a fan of seeds in your cooking, here’s what we do:
-
Quick Method
- Cut tomato in half
- Gently squeeze
- Seeds pop right out!
-
Precise Method
- Quarter the tomato
- Use spoon to scoop
- Perfect for cooking
Common Questions We Get
Q: Are seedless tomatoes available?
Not really! While some varieties have fewer seeds, completely seedless tomatoes don’t exist naturally.
Q: Do more seeds mean better taste?
Nope! Seed count and flavor aren’t related. Some of the tastiest tomatoes have fewer seeds.
My Personal Experience
In my garden, I’ve grown over 20 different tomato varieties, and lemme tell you – seed counts can be super unpredictable! Last summer, I cut open what looked like an average-sized Better Boy tomato and counted nearly 350 seeds! Talk about overachieving!
Pro Tips for Gardeners
- Save seeds from your best-performing plants
- Label everything (trust me on this one!)
- Keep different varieties separated when saving seeds
- Store seeds in a cool, dry place
Conclusion
Whether you’re a gardener, cook, or just curious, understanding tomato seeds helps you appreciate these amazing fruits even more. Next time you slice into a tomato, maybe take a moment to appreciate those little seeds – each one’s a potential new plant waiting to happen!
Final Thoughts
Remember, while these numbers are typical, your tomatoes might have more or fewer seeds. Nature likes to keep us guessing! And that’s totally okay – it’s part of what makes gardening so interesting.
Btw, if you’re planning to start growing tomatoes, don’t stress too much about seed counts. Focus on picking varieties that work for your climate and cooking needs. The seeds will take care of themselves!
Two: Dig a Really Deep Hole for Your Tomato Plant
When you put your tomato plant in the garden (this would be either a plant you started from seed indoors or a healthy plant you bought from a local farmer or grower), youre going to bury it deeper than what might feel normal. You bury most plants up to their neck, or where the stem grows above the roots, but youll actually plant your tomatoes much lower under the soil line. You can even bury some leaves. Tomatoes will produce roots on whatever plant parts nestle below the ground, and this helps form a strong structure for the plant, which youll need later when its bearing lots of fruit for you. $9.99
Make 2025 your best year in the garden yet with this downloadable garden planner.
How Many Tomatoes Can You Get from a Determinate Variety?
Determinate tomatoes, aka bush or patio varieties, give you the majority of your fruits all at once. Youll have a big harvest, and then you may get a couple more fruits here and there, but your plant is pretty much done producing. Gardeners who are into canning typically grow this type so they can have one big harvest to process.
You can expect to get about 10 to 20 tomatoes per plant, depending on the type youre growing. If youre shopping for determinate tomato seeds, look for packets that say things like “heavy producer” so you can get a bigger tomato bang for your buck.
