Tomato seeds are tiny, usually about 2-3 millimeters long, but they hold the key to growing a whole tomato plant. The seed's tough outer coat protects the embryo inside until conditions are just right for germination. If you look closely at a picture of tomato seed, you’ll notice it’s a little flat and oval-shaped, perfect for packing lots of seeds inside a tomato fruit.

Tomato seeds can stay viable for several years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. One tomato can contain anywhere from 100 to 300 seeds, depending on the variety and size of the fruit. A picture of tomato seed under a microscope reveals tiny ridges and patterns on the seed coat, which help protect it from pests and diseases.

Before planting, tomato seeds are often soaked in water overnight to soften the seed coat and speed up germination. Interestingly, wild tomato seeds spread naturally when animals eat the fruit and pass the seeds through their digestive system. A picture of tomato seed saved from last season's harvest is a gardener’s treasure for next spring’s planting.

Tomato seeds need warmth to sprout, ideally between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why indoor seed starting is popular. Though small, tomato seeds are packed with nutrients to support the early growth of the seedling. People sometimes confuse tomato seeds with those of peppers, but tomato seeds are usually smaller and lighter in color.

Some tomato varieties produce seeds that are true-to-type, meaning the plants grown from these seeds will closely resemble the parent. Saving seeds from hybrid tomatoes might not give you the same results next season, because hybrids mix traits unpredictably. A picture of tomato seed saved carefully can be a good reminder of the exact tomato variety you’re growing.

Tomato seeds contain tiny amounts of oils that can cause mild irritation to sensitive skin, so gardeners sometimes rinse seeds before planting. In ancient times, tomatoes were considered poisonous partly because people misunderstood their seeds and fruits. The sticky gel around tomato seeds helps hold them together inside the fruit until it's ripe.

You can dry tomato seeds by spreading them on paper towels for a few days before storing them in a sealed container. Tomato seeds don’t need light to germinate, but warmth and moisture are essential. A picture of tomato seed saved from heirloom varieties connects gardeners to history and tradition.

Some tomato seeds require scarification—light scratching of the seed coat—to help water penetrate faster. Tomato seeds can be tested for viability by placing them in water; seeds that float are often less viable than those that sink. Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, and their seeds share similarities with other members like potatoes and eggplants.

Tomato seeds can sometimes get moldy if they aren’t dried properly before storage, so good airflow is important. Gardeners often plant seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date to give seedlings a head start. A picture of tomato seed next to the fruit shows just how many seeds each tomato holds inside its juicy flesh.

You can grow tomato plants from seeds inside the fruit, but removing and drying seeds separately improves germination rates. Tomato seed germination usually takes 5 to 10 days under ideal conditions. The shape of tomato seeds helps them pack tightly inside the fruit, maximizing seed production.

Tomato seeds are often coated with a natural gel that slows drying; gardeners rinse this off to avoid fungal problems. Many seed companies offer tomato seeds packaged with detailed growing instructions for best results. A picture of tomato seed can reveal subtle color differences, from pale yellow to light brown, depending on the variety.

Tomato seed banks around the world preserve genetic diversity by storing seeds of rare and endangered tomato varieties. Seeds from cherry tomatoes tend to be smaller than those from beefsteak or heirloom varieties. Tomato seeds have been spread globally thanks to explorers and farmers over hundreds of years.

Some gardeners ferment tomato seeds to remove the gel, which can improve germination and reduce diseases. Tomato seeds have a lifespan that varies by variety but generally remain viable for 3 to 5 years. A picture of tomato seed collected from a home garden can be the start of a new tomato adventure.

Planting depth for tomato seeds is usually about twice the size of the seed, roughly ¼ inch deep. Tomato seeds need consistent moisture, but too much water can cause them to rot before sprouting. Tomato seed development happens as the fruit ripens, starting from tiny ovules inside the flower.

Saving seeds from your favorite tomato means you can grow the same tasty variety year after year. The seed coat is the first line of defense against pests like insects and soil fungi. A picture of tomato seed next to a leaf shows the tiny difference in scale between the seed and the growing plant.

Tomato seeds can sometimes be treated with natural fungicides before planting to protect against damping-off disease. When dried properly, tomato seeds are lightweight and easy to store in small envelopes or containers. The seeds contain the genetic blueprint for the next generation of tomato plants.

Tomato seed saving is a popular hobby among gardeners who want to preserve unique tomato varieties. The age of the seed affects how quickly it will germinate and how strong the seedling will be. A picture of tomato seed with a ruler can help beginners understand the tiny size of these power-packed seeds.

Some wild tomato species have much smaller seeds than cultivated tomatoes, showing the range of diversity in nature. Tomato seeds germinate best when soil temperatures stay warm and consistent, which is why timing matters. Tomato seed coats sometimes have tiny pores that allow air and water to enter, triggering germination.

Tomato seeds can be stored in paper envelopes inside a fridge for longer viability, but not in the freezer unless dried completely. Gardeners can test seed viability by sprouting a few seeds in a damp paper towel before planting outdoors. A picture of tomato seed next to a full tomato fruit highlights the amazing potential packed in a small seed.

Tomato seeds are essential for breeding new varieties with better taste, color, and disease resistance. Planting tomato seeds indoors allows gardeners to control the environment and protect young seedlings from harsh weather. Each tiny picture of tomato seed you see represents the start of a delicious, homegrown tomato journey.