Can You Take a Cutting from a Tomato Plant?

If you have a healthy tomato plant in your garden, it’s understandable to want to clone it by taking cuttings. This way, you can propagate multiple tomato plants that have the same traits as the original plant. But can you really take a cutting from a tomato plant, and if yes, how should you go about it? Here’s what you need to know:

What Type of Tomato Plant Can You Take Cuttings From?

Not all tomato plants are suitable for taking cuttings from. Generally, you should only take cuttings from a healthy, mature tomato plant that is actively growing. When selecting the plant, look for one that has short internodes, which are the areas of the stem between the leaves. Short internodes indicate that the plant is growing vigorously and will likely take to rooting well.

When Should You Take a Cutting from a Tomato Plant?

The best time to take a cutting from a tomato plant is in the morning, when the plant is hydrated and the temperatures are cooler. Avoid taking cuttings in the heat of the day, as the plant will be stressed and may not root properly. You can take cuttings throughout the growing season, but it’s best to do it early in the season so that the plant has enough time to grow and mature before the end of the season.

How to Take a Cutting from a Tomato Plant

To take a cutting from a tomato plant, use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut just below a leaf node on the stem. Make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle, as this will increase the surface area for rooting. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long and have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the bottom set of leaves, leaving only the top set of leaves on the cutting.

How to Root a Tomato Cutting

Once you’ve taken a cutting from a tomato plant, it’s time to root it. There are different methods you can use to root tomato cuttings, including putting them directly in soil, placing them in water, and using rooting hormone. Here’s a quick rundown of each method:

1. Directly in soil: Fill a small pot with moist potting soil, and make a hole in the center with a pencil or your finger. Insert the cutting into the hole, making sure that the top set of leaves is above the soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to help retain moisture, and place it in a warm, brightly lit area. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and wait for the cutting to root.

2. Placed in water: Place the cutting in a jar or vase filled with fresh water, making sure that the bottom of the stem is submerged. Cover the container with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, and place it in a warm, brightly lit area. Change the water every few days to prevent it from turning cloudy, and wait for the cutting to root.

3. Using rooting hormone: Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone, tapping off any excess. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting soil, and cover the pot with a plastic bag. Place the pot in a warm, brightly lit area, and keep the soil moist. The rooting hormone can help the cutting to establish roots more quickly.

Conclusion

Yes, you can take a cutting from a tomato plant and propagate a new plant. Just make sure you select a healthy, mature plant with short internodes, take the cutting in the morning, and root it using one of the methods outlined above. With a little patience and care, you can grow multiple tomato plants that are identical to the original plant.