Discover the art of propagating tomato plants from cuttings, a simple and efficient method to multiply your favorite varieties. This guide, inspired by a Yoderbuilt Greenhouse blog post, will walk you through the process we’ve been successfully implementing in our greenhouse since 2021.
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Why Grow Plants from Cuttings?
Growing tomatoes from cuttings offers several advantages. It speeds up the growth process, allowing for earlier harvesting. It also maximizes greenhouse space and reduces the cost of purchasing new seeds every season, especially for favorite and proven varieties like Roma and Sun Gold.
When to Take Cuttings from Tomatoes?
The ideal time for taking tomato cuttings is when pruning, like we did with our Roma and Sun Gold plants on November 19, 2023. You can also take cuttings in the spring or summer. Regular pruning not only keeps plants manageable but also provides healthy cuttings for propagation.
Tools Needed for Rooting Cuttings
To start rooting tomato cuttings, you’ll need:
- Sterilized pruning shears or scissors
- Rubbing alcohol for sterilization.
- Rooting Hormone (optional)
- A glass or mason jar
- A sunny window or grow lights
How to Take Cuttings From Plants
Time needed: 7 days and 20 minutes
How to propagate tomato cuttings
- Sterilize your cutting tools
Use a cotton pad or swab and rubbing alcohol to sterilize the blades of your scissors or pruning shears.
- Choose a sucker or branch to cut.
Choose a healthy sucker, cutting just below a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves
Remove lower leaves to expose potential root sites. Optionally dip the cutting in rooting hormone.
- Place the cuttings in fresh water
Place the cutting in fresh water, changing it every few days and checking for roots.
- Check the cuttings for roots
- Planting the rooted cuttings
This cutting has been planted in potting soil in a 4 inch pot under grow lights.
- Transplanting
Tomatoes are heavy feeders and will grow quickly. It’s important to continue to pot them up as they grow and provide regular feeding. These tomato plants were transplanted to a larger pot and will then be hardened off before planting outside.
Growing Tomatoes from Cuttings – Conclusion
We hope this guide inspires you to try propagating tomato plants from cuttings. This method not only saves money and space but also gives you an early start in the growing season. With patience and care, you’ll enjoy a thriving tomato garden from your very own propagated plants.