How to Start a Tomato Plant from Sucker

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow at home. They are healthy and delicious, and growing your own tomatoes is a rewarding experience. If you have an established tomato plant in your garden, you can start new tomato plants from the suckers that grow from the plant. Suckers are the shoots that grow between the stem and the branch of the tomato plant.

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Tomato Plant

The first step to starting a tomato plant from sucker is to choose a healthy tomato plant. Look for a plant that has a strong stem, firm leaves, and healthy fruit. The plant should also be free from any diseases or pests. Make sure you choose a plant that has suckers growing from it.

Step 2: Select a Suitable Sucker

Once you have chosen a healthy tomato plant, you need to select a suitable sucker. Choose a sucker that is at least six inches long and has some leaves growing on it. The sucker should be growing from the main stem of the tomato plant and should be easy to remove.

Step 3: Remove the Sucker

To remove the sucker, use a clean pair of scissors or a knife. Cut the sucker off the main stem of the tomato plant, making sure to cut the sucker as close to the stem as possible. Make sure you don't damage the main stem of the tomato plant.

Step 4: Prepare the Sucker for Planting

Once you have removed the sucker, you need to prepare it for planting. Remove the leaves from the bottom couple of inches of the sucker. This will make it easier for the sucker to root when you plant it.

Step 5: Plant the Sucker

Now it's time to plant the sucker. Fill a small pot with potting soil and plant the sucker in the soil. Make sure you plant the sucker deep enough so that the bottom leaves are just above the soil line. Water the sucker well and place it in a warm spot with plenty of light.

Step 6: Care for the New Plant

As the new tomato plant grows, it will need to be cared for. Water the plant regularly and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight. You may need to stake the plant as it grows to keep it from falling over. You can also add fertilizer to the soil to help the plant grow strong and healthy.

Starting a new tomato plant from a sucker is a great way to propagate your tomato plants and get more fresh tomatoes. With these simple steps, you can start your own tomato plants and enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown tomatoes all summer long.