How to Graft a Tomato Plant

Grafting is a common technique in horticulture that allows two plants to grow as one. This technique is useful for a number of reasons, including disease resistance and increased productivity. Grafting a tomato plant is a simple process and can be done at home with a few basic tools.

What You’ll Need:

- Rootstock tomato plant

- Scion tomato plant

- Sharp knife

- Grafting clips or tape

- Sterilizing agent (optional)

Step 1 – Choose Your Plants:

The first step in grafting a tomato plant is to choose the rootstock and scion plants. The rootstock plant should be chosen for its strong roots and disease resistance, while the scion plant should be chosen for its desirable fruit characteristics. It’s important to choose plants that are compatible with each other.

Step 2 – Sterilize Your Tools:

Before making any cuts, it is important to sterilize your knife to prevent the spread of disease. Use a sterilizing agent such as alcohol or bleach to clean your knife between cuts.

Step 3 – Make Your Cuts:

Using a sharp knife, make a diagonal cut through the stem of the rootstock plant at a 45-degree angle. Make a corresponding diagonal cut through the stem of the scion plant, also at a 45-degree angle. The cuts should be made so that the vascular layers of both plants are exposed.

Step 4 – Join the Two Plants:

Place the cut stem of the scion plant onto the cut stem of the rootstock plant so that the vascular layers of both plants are aligned. Gently wrap a grafting clip or tape around the joint, making sure it is secure but not too tight. This will hold the two plants together while they graft.

Step 5 – Nurture Your Grafted Plant:

After grafting, it’s important to keep the plant out of direct sunlight for several days to allow it to heal. Once the graft has taken, the plant can be placed in a sunny location and cared for like any other tomato plant.

Conclusion:

Grafting a tomato plant is a useful skill for any gardener to have. By following these simple steps, you can create a tomato plant with the disease resistance of one plant and the desirable fruit of another. Remember to choose compatible plants and sterilize your tools to ensure a successful graft.