Tomato Seeds,
Indigo Blue Chocolate

Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost when temperatures don’t drop below 60 F. Check your local area’s frost dates for a specific planting time. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources."

Plant seeds 1/2-1 inch deep in seed-starting mix. During germination, keep the soil temperature between 70-80 F; use a heat mat if necessary. Once seedlings have two true leaves, transplant them into larger pots. After hardening off, space the seedlings 18-36 inches apart when planting outdoors.

Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and side-dress during the growing season. Remove suckers to promote better airflow and fruit production. Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Monitor for common pests like aphids and tomato hornworms and use organic controls as necessary.

• Most tomatoes are self-pollinating and don't frequently cross; in a garden setting, separating by 25 feet should prevent 99% of cross-pollination. Or you can bag and hand pollinate for 100% purity.
• On a small scale, seeds may be scooped from the fruits and dried on a paper towel.
• For larger quantities or cleaner seeds, fermentation for a few days is recommended.
• Once dry, tomato seed can be stored in a cool, dry, dark place; good seed retains viability for 5 years or more.