I am not an experienced gardener, I have never tried to grow tomatoes before and to be honest I wasn't planning on doing it, but recently I cut into a tomato and discovered the seeds were sprouting into tiny seedlings inside it. I felt bad tossing them out and wanted to give them a chance to grow, and it seemed like a good learning opportunity. I planted them in this pot, not expecting they would actually survive, (it is from a cactus that passed away, can't possibly be ideal tomato conditions but its the best thing I had on hand). Low and behold, they have been growing and they seem to be doing relatively well?
I am not sure what to do from here, I didn't expect them to live and I have no plan. Is it worth re-potting them into higher quality soil, or should I wait until they are bigger so as not to risk damaging the young seedlings? Also, since my goal is more about keeping the plants alive then it is about actually harvesting tomatoes, is it possible to continue growing them indoors without a grow-light, or should I still plan to plant them outside when it gets warm enough? (I am in new england).
To be clear, I am not necessarily planning on eating the tomatoes, I have read that the seeds from hybrid tomatoes from the grocery store don't tend to have good results. Also, I know the circumstances under which these tomatoes have been planted probably isn't the most ideal for healthy plants, and I would not be surprised if they still die, but I would like to give them the best chance at life. I am a plant mom now and I feel lucky to get to watch them grow! Any advice is appreciated 🙂
by Ancient-Captain4144
5 Comments
These lil guys need more light! They are a bit etoliated. I’d recommend a grow light until they can go outside. I wouldn’t move them until they are more established. Good luck!
I would have tossed the seeds. There are so many better tomatoes to grow than commercial varieties which are bred for shipping.
What a great idea! I can relate, tomatoes are very pretty plants on their own.
First thing first, more light. As much as possible, even an white led put 3-4 inches away from the pot will suffice. You’ll also need to kill all but one in 1-2 weeks. Seems cruel now, but trust me, these guys will become massive. You can change the soil if you wish, but if a cactus thrived in that pot, a tomato should as well. Cactus soils are just more draining, not necessarily bad for tomatoes, though you might need to water it more. Also buy the cheapest water soluble synthetic fertilizer you can, something like miracle gro all purpose. It’ll make the plant produce a lot of leaves with minimal fruiting.
Do you have a south facing window you could put them in? I’m at a similar latitude and when my tomatoes start sprouting I put them in a window and occasionally forget to check on them. I tend to use cactus soil for almost everything, so I’m not surprised your seeds took hold in it. Just make sure you check every few days to see if it needs water, since cactus soil will not hold onto as much moisture as other potting soils.
If you want to continue the experiment feel free. The tomatoes wouldn’t be poisonous. But here’s why I wouldn’t.
First the tomatoes at the store are hybrids. Seeds from hybrids dont breed true. Its hard to say what kind of plant you’d get. And even if it was the same as the store tomato…most store timatoes stink compared to good varieties.
If you want to grow by all means do so. Spend a few bucks on a package of seeds of a nice beefsteak or cherry variety (depends on what you like). Grow them and youll be much more likely to get some super tasty tomatoes in 3-4 months (depending on where you live).
Caution: growing tomatoes can be addicting. You may end uo spending an inordinate amount of time learning a whole new hobby. You may rejoice in delicious tomatoes and scream at the heavens in despair as crops die another year. Some will find this funny as it is to most of us. Most of us also get some tomatoes (last year was bad for me….I ONLY had enough tomatoes for fresh use for 5 months and a few pounds dehydrated) even in bad years. But we often also spend more money than we would normally.
But himrmegrown tomatoes can range frim much better than store bought to absolutely exceptional. It’s good steady whole body exercise in the sun (both good for you!). And tou join a club of nuts that’ll talk about hornworms and parasitic wasps until you wanna scream….lol.
So go ahead….pick up some real seeds…make my day.