Saving Vegetable Seed

University of Rhode Island GreenShare Factsheets

Saving Vegetable Seed

There is no doubt that saving your own seed is the most economical method of obtaining seed. It can also be the worst possible method if a few simple ground rules are not considered and followed.

The first rule is never to save seed from a vegetable or flower that is an F1 hybrid. Seeds from hybrid cultivars will produce a mixture of plant types, most of which will be inferior to the parent. For best success with F1 hybrids, buy new seed each year of the desired cultivar.

Vegetables and flowers that are not Fl hybrids are open-pollinated and can be used as a seed source for next year. Always select the most desirable fruit from the best looking plants for seed. Allow the fruit to reach full maturity before picking. In most cases the seed will have a hard seed coat or turn a dark color when it is mature. A seed may not be mature at the same time a fruit reaches its mature red, yellow or green color.

When fully ripe, pick and dry the seed as soon as possible. The best way to dry seed is at normal room temperature by placing it on a screen or in front of a fan so that good air circulation helps dry the seed. Temperatures should not exceed 85 or 90 degrees F, as seed loses its viability (ability to germinate) rather quickly at high temperature.

After the seed has dried, remove any pulp that may remain. The use of a fan to blow away the dried pulp is often effective; if necessary, water can be used to help clean the seed. If water is used, dry the seed again as quickly as possible, but do not exceed 90 degrees. It is always best to clean seed without the use of water whenever possible.

Once seed has been dried and cleaned, it must be stored at low temperature and humidity. Temperatures should be between 40 and 50 degrees F. Most seed should be kept where the relative humidity does not exceed 20 to 35 percent. If seed becomes moist, regardless of temperature, it loses its ability to germinate over a period of time. At low temperatures, seed can be somewhat moister and still germinate well after a short storage period.

A month or so before the seed is to be used, you should run a germination test to determine the percentage of seed which have the capacity to grow. The easiest way to do this is to moisten two or three layers of paper towels. Place 25 to 50 seeds on the towels and roll them up. Do not roll tightly. A loose roll will provide more oxygen and give a better test. Place the rolls in a plastic bag. Keep in a warm place such as the kitchen counter or on top of the water heater. Some seed germinates in a matter of several days,-- check the rolls every two or three days. If the seed does not germinate, it might be best to discard the seed and buy fresh seed for the coming garden season.

Seeds that are easily saved include the tomato, pepper, eggplant, beans, peas and other legumes. Peppers are best picked when they are turning red. Beans, peas and other legumes should be picked when the seeds in the pods are dry enough so you can hear them "rattle." Place the pods in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. When the pods are completely dry, the seed can be removed and stored.

The vine crops (cucumber, melons, squash and pumpkins) are somewhat more difficult. Without controlled pollination, these crops become crossed with other varieties and types, and it is usually not worth saving these seeds. If you do wish to save these seeds, the fruit must be very ripe for seed collection. Cucumbers must be entirely yellow, and squash and pumpkins must be thoroughly mature. When mature, separate the seeds from the fleshy fruit and dry at room temperature.

Adapted from Tom Kowalsick, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 2001

Pesticides are poisonous! Read and follow all safety precautions on labels. Handle carefully and store in original containers out of reach of children, pets or livestock. Dispose of empty containers immediately, in a safe manner and place. Pesticides should never be stored with foods or in areas where people eat.

When trade names are used for identification, no product endorsement is implied, nor is discrimination intended against similar materials. Be sure that the pesticide you intend to use is registered for the state of use.

The user of this information assumes all risk for personal injury or property damage.

For more information, call the URI CE Gardening and Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-1011 or (401)874-2929 from outside Rhode Island; Monday-Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm.

University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension provides equal program opportunities.