How To Grow Tomatoes From Cuttings

It’s easy to grow tomatoes from cuttings! And, you can fill your garden for free, or create a unique gift for the garden in your family.

The tomato plant lends itself well to cutting propagation because the cells in the stems can turn into roots in about 2-4 weeks.

Materials Required To Grow Tomatoes From Cuttings

You won’t need any special equipment to successfully grow tomatoes from cuttings. The most important thing is clean, sharp gardening secateurs. You’ll also need a healthy tomato plant; it can be young or old. You will be transplanting the tomato cutting into a container. Choose one that is about 10cm (4 inches) deep. A clear container is an added bonus, as you will be able to see the root system develop. Lastly, you’ll need some potting soil and a larger container (unless you are planting your tomato plant into a garden bed).

Cutting Your Tomato Plant

Using clean gardening secateurs, cut off a sideshoot at a 45 degree angle right where it comes off the main stem. Ensure the branch is about 15cm (6 inches) long. Remove any lower leaves. You may also want to scrape the bottom 2cm (1 inch) of the branch.

Rooting Your Tomato Plant Cutting

When it comes to developing a root system, you have two options.

• Plant your cutting in a small container filled with soil. Ensure the soil is damp, and does not dry out. If the soil dries out quickly, you can cover the container and plant with a plastic bag. Keep the plant near sunlight, but not in direct sunlight. A root system should develop in about 2 weeks. Dipping in rooting powder, or adding seaweed mix will help roots to develop.
• Place your tomato cutting in a small, clear container filled with water. Keep the container in a sunny spot. The cutting should develop a root system in about 3-4 weeks.

Transplanting Your Tomato Plant Cutting

Once the cutting has developed a root system, you can plant it in a larger container, or into your garden. If you are planting into a container, ensure it is at least 30cm (12 inches) deep and is not transparent. Roots are incredibly sensitive to sunlight.

Alternatively, you can pop the little tomato plant into a decorative container or pot. Add a copy of our book How To Grow Juicy Tasty Tomatoes and you’ve got yourself the perfect Christmas present for the avid or aspiring gardener in your family!

Image: courtesy of http://brinkoffreedom.net/homesteading/propagating-tomato-plants/