Is it worth saving seeds out of veg you buy from supermarkets?

[Moopmoop]

After reading Binleys post on another thread about saving seeds out of a tomato it made me think about whether it's worth saving seeds from shop bought goodies.
I read somewhere that veg in supermarkets have been treated with chemicals which makes their seeds no good to save. I have in the past saved seeds from supermarket veg with little success after planting. Recently I have bought a few peppers and chilli's from a farmers market thinking that their seeds should not have been treated. I plan on planting them next year so we'll see how I get on. Any thoughts?

[chris]

There's only one real issue with saving seed this way - you don't know if the seed will come true to type (i.e. it's a hybrid, F1). Try it, and if it comes out the same, then save from it again if you like it - if it's a hybrid what you're doing in effect is de-hybridising (spelling?) it - but it may take some generations to produce a stable line. Of course, if the veg isn't a hybrid then there's no issues with this

Spuds, I believe are spray/bathed in a germination inhibitor to prevent sprouting, but you can grow them on - many people here do. I've saved some plum tomato seeds I got from a farmers box, I grew them on this year, and they've come out the same. I'll grow them out again next year too, to see if the plants are all the same. I've also saved some original ones incase I ever wanted to get into back crossing them, and all that funky stuff

If you liek the veg, then I'd say go for it We wouldn't have had PW's French Black tomato if he didn't do the same when he was on holiday (afaik) - now many of us grapes grow this wondering black tomato - it's lovely!

[binley100]

You can grow some of the dried stuff as well ....ie chickpeas (which are lovely fresh picked and raw)

[veggiechicken]

I'm a compulsive seed saver - at the moment its cranberries and I have some Persimmon and Cherimoya waiting in the fruit bowl for their turn!

[Two_Sheds]

it made me think about whether it's worth saving seeds from shop

Not much fruit & veg has seed, or not viable seed, anyway. For seed to be viable, it needs to be ripe.

You also need to understand what F1 means ~ this is also a great read for seed sowing & saving: How To Save Your Own Seed at Home

[Moopmoop]

How do I know if the varities in the shops are F1? I was mainly thinking tomatoes, chillies, peppers, pumpkin and squash.

[binley100]

You probably won't ..........but it doesn't stop you from having a go . My scotch bonnet chilli was from a shop bought one, currently trying to overwinter it. We grew some chocolate coloured toms from shop bought ones at the lottie . Look on it as an experiment then you won't be miffed if it doesn't work

[Two_Sheds]

How do I know if the varities in the shops are F1?

you google them

[binley100]

Thats if they put on what varieties they are of course........

[Two_Sheds]

I was mainly thinking tomatoes, chillies, peppers, pumpkin and squash.

I know you're eager, but do take the time to read my link to Real Seeds,


eg. "Most modern varieties of tomato are self pollinating, and will not cross"

"Beware that pumpkins, squashes, marrows & courgettes will all cross readily with each other. The best (usually only) way to save pure seed on a home scale is to hand pollinate one or more fruits."

[Moopmoop]

Thank you kindly everyone. I do find a lot of the veg I buy in shops don't have a variety or type displayed on packet which really annoy me, I would like to know what I'm eating.