Price of tomato seeds whew

[Jimmy]

OK thanks for the replies.

I was sowing my toms yesterday, including "3" of the T&M seeds.
I also sowed some "Red Cherry". I had saved a packet, sow by 2010.
The supplier was "Franchi Sementi", there were hundreds of seeds in the pack, enough for many years of sowing.

Re "Sow by 2010" I suspect with toms I might get some, what's the thoughts on this ??

Jimmy

[Thelma Sanders]

carry on using them, each year you may get fewer that germinate, but they're usually ok for years - as long as the seeds stay dry in the packet

[Jimmy]

Just and update
The Franchi Sementi seeds from 2010, loads came up, a bonus.

Of the 4 T&M Rosada seeds I sowed, all 4 came up.
One was a bit of a runt and didn't look like it would get out of the shell.
But a quick mist with water and and hour later it had emerged.

Been potting on chilies seem to have far too many.
Must have sown about 6 varieties.

As for Toms, well potting on starts next week end. Must have 10 or more varieties of them, all mainly cherry/plum ones apart from my GH Alacanti.

Jimmy

[Alison]

I've got tomato seeds more than 10 years out of date that still have very high germination rates.

[Jimmy]

Does anyone know how they get out the shell, do they wiggle or something.
Very mysterious this nature thing !
Jimmy

[Creemteez]

Same thing happened to me with my first purchase of Black Russian toms. Nearly four quid for six seeds! (Nearly fainted when I opened the packet!) I then managed to decapitate one of my seedlings!! (Another fainting fit!) However, I saved some seed from one of the fruit - it's my third year growing them now and I have LOADS of seed! Also growing some seed saved from a "Finest Cherry Selection" from Tezzie's. 100% germination. Mini orange cherry plum, anyone?........

[rustylady]

Does anyone know how they get out the shell, do they wiggle or something.
Very mysterious this nature thing !
Jimmy

Emerging leaves have a lot of strength in them - as they expand (grow) they split the seedcase. Sometimes they get trapped if the seedcase is dry so misting with plain water softens the case.

[Madasafish]

Lidl Hartz for me .Approx 70p a packet - lasts for 5 years.

Nice flavour.