Why do my seeds look different?

Father'sDaughter · August 26, 2012

While I won't be growing all of the same tomatoes next year, I am saving seeds from the early fruit of each variety using the fermentation technique. I've started noticing that with some, the seeds I'm saving look much different from the ones I purchased. Anyone know why this would be? Different processing techniques? Difference in fruit ripeness? I hope it doesn't mean there may have been a cross!

For example, on the left are the Virginia Sweets seeds I received from a vendor, and on the right are the ones I saved. The vendor seeds are smaller and smooth, whereas my saved seeds are larger, flatter, and "fuzzy.".

August 26, 2012	#1
Father'sDaughter Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MA/NH Border Posts: 4,919	Why do my seeds look different? While I won't be growing all of the same tomatoes next year, I am saving seeds from the early fruit of each variety using the fermentation technique. I've started noticing that with some, the seeds I'm saving look much different from the ones I purchased. Anyone know why this would be? Different processing techniques? Difference in fruit ripeness? I hope it doesn't mean there may have been a cross! For example, on the left are the Virginia Sweets seeds I received from a vendor, and on the right are the ones I saved. The vendor seeds are smaller and smooth, whereas my saved seeds are larger, flatter, and "fuzzy.".