Hybrid Seed Production in Tomato, Harvesting

Fruit Production and Harvesting
Hybrid Seed Production in Tomato

Harvesting

Tomato fruits ripen about 50-60 days after pollination, but may take longer if temperatures are cool.

Keep the fruits on the vine until they are fully mature, preferably to the pink or red ripe stage. This enables the seed to develop normally and fully. If fruits are harvested at an earlier stage, place them in a covered, cool dry place for 3 or 4 days until they become red ripe.

Be sure to check for the clipped sepal before harvesting fruit.

Collect fruits in nonmetallic containers, such as nylon net bags, plastic buckets, or crates. Metal containers may react with acids in the tomato juice and affect seed viability. Hence, they should not be used.