How to Make Tomato Plant Cuttings

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens. One way to grow more tomato plants without buying seedlings is by taking cuttings from your existing plants. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose the Right Plant and Time

Choose a healthy tomato plant that is at least two months old and has not produced fruit yet. The best time to take cuttings is in the early morning, when the plant is full of water and the temperatures are still low.

Step 2: Prepare Your Tools and Medium

You will need a sharp, clean pair of scissors or garden shears to take the cuttings. Sterilize your tools by wiping them with rubbing alcohol or dipping them in boiling water. You will also need a rooting hormone and a growing medium, such as perlite or vermiculite, to plant the cuttings in.

Step 3: Take the Cuttings

Locate a healthy, non-flowering side shoot on the tomato plant. Use your scissors or shears to cut a 4-6 inch piece just below a set of leaves. Strip off the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting.

Step 4: Apply Rooting Hormone and Plant

Dip the bottom of the cutting into the rooting hormone, coating the stem evenly. Shake off any excess powder. Fill a small pot or seed tray with the growing medium and plant the cutting about an inch deep. Water the cutting well and place it in a warm, bright spot without direct sunlight.

Step 5: Care for the Cuttings

Maintain high humidity around the cuttings by covering them with a clear plastic bag or placing them in a mini greenhouse. Open the bag or greenhouse for a few minutes each day to allow air circulation. Keep the growing medium moist, but not waterlogged. After 2-3 weeks, you should see roots growing from the bottom of the pot or tray. Remove the bag or greenhouse and move the cuttings to a spot with indirect sunlight.

Step 6: Transplant the Cuttings

Once the cuttings have developed strong roots, they are ready to be transplanted into their own pots or into the garden. Harden off the plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for one week before transplanting. Plant them in well-draining soil with plenty of compost and water regularly to help them establish.

By following these steps, you can make as many tomato plant cuttings as you need to grow healthy, delicious tomatoes in your garden!