How to Plant a Vivipary Tomato

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to plant in a garden, but have you ever heard of a vivipary tomato? Vivipary is when a tomato plant starts to produce new growth from the fruit instead of just the stem. This can lead to the tomato fruit sprouting little plants directly from the tomato itself. While it may sound strange, planting a vivipary tomato can be a fun and unique way to grow tomatoes in your garden. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Finding a Vivipary Tomato

The first step in planting a vivipary tomato is to find a tomato plant that has vivipary. This is not something that all tomato plants have, so you will need to do a little research to find one. Look for tomato varieties that are more likely to produce vivipary, such as 'Yellow Pear' or 'Red Currant' tomatoes. You can also search online for seed companies that specialize in vivipary tomatoes. Once you have found a vivipary tomato plant, it’s time to get started.

Step 2: Harvesting the Tomato

To plant a vivipary tomato, you will need to harvest a ripe tomato that has already started to produce new growth from the fruit. Look for a tomato that has small green shoots emerging from the fruit. It’s crucial to harvest the tomato at the right time because if you wait too long, the little plants may start to wither and die.

Step 3: Preparing the Soil

Prepare a well-draining potting soil in a container with drainage holes. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the entire tomato, along with any sprouts. Be sure to use a high-quality potting soil that is rich in organic matter and has good drainage properties. Add some slow-release fertilizer to the soil to provide the tomato with the necessary nutrients it needs to grow.

Step 4: Planting the Tomato

To plant the tomato, gently place it on the soil in the container. Cover the tomato with soil, leaving the new growth exposed. Be sure to bury the tomato deeply enough to cover any roots that may have formed. Water the soil well, being careful not to wash away any of the new growth.

Step 5: Caring for the Tomato

Once the tomato is planted, all you have to do is care for it like you would any other tomato plant. The plant will continue to grow, and the new growth will eventually start to produce its own leaves and shoots. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide the plant with plenty of sunshine. Prune the tomato regularly to keep it healthy and prevent overcrowding.

Conclusion

Planting a vivipary tomato may seem a little strange, but it’s an exciting and unique way to grow tomatoes in your garden. With a little bit of research and some careful attention to the tomato plant’s needs, you can successfully grow a vivipary tomato and enjoy the fruits of your labor for months to come.