Tomato Seeds,
Phil's Two

Begin seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Once frost risk has passed and the soil has sufficiently warmed, transplant the seedlings into your garden or large containers. This mid-season variety takes about 75-80 days from transplanting to produce its distinctive bumpy green fruits. If you're not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post "Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources."

Start Phil's Two tomato seeds in a seed tray or small pots, burying them about 1/8 inch deep in a sterile seed-starting mix. Keep the soil warm, ideally between 70-80 F, to encourage quick germination. After seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, transplant them into larger containers. Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden, spacing them 24 inches apart.

Fertilize the plants at the time of transplanting with a balanced formula, and side-dress with additional nutrients as the season progresses. Removing suckers—small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches—will help direct more of the plant’s energy toward fruit development. Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases and take action quickly if problems arise. The fruits are ready to harvest when their color shifts to a vibrant yellow-orange, and they feel slightly soft to the touch.

• 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.